News tagged with 'Dangerous Rides and Attractions'

In this month's issue of the Journal of Neurotrauma, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reveal that roller coasters do not cause brain damage. In recent years, several reports have been published blaming the thrill rides' jarring G forces for brain injuries. High G forces may pull blood away from the bra

Six Flags Inc. has settled a lawsuit with the family of a woman who died at its popular Arlington, Texas amusement park in 1999. Valeria Cartwright of Arkansas drowned on the Roaring Rapids water attraction when the raft she was riding on overturned. The grandparents of Cartwright's four-year-old daughter sued the th

A sixteen-year-old boy who suffered traumatic brain injuries in an amusement park ride accident settled a lawsuit with the park owner for $750,000. While riding the "Orbitron," a popular whirling attraction, the boy's seatbelt became loose, causing him to strike his head several times against the metal railing surroun

Dozens of people were injured yesterday as two cars on the "Superman Ride of Steel" roller coaster collided. While most injuries appeared minor, at least twenty-two patrons were sent to hospitals in the Agawam, Massachusetts area. Doctors reported injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones and whiplash.

An recent accident on a ride called "Chaos" at Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park injured several people. The ride tipped over on its side, leaving patrons suspended for several hours before rescue workers could free them. The park is located in Muskegon, approximately 40 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. Up to

A Branson, Missouri roller coaster accident injured seven people last night. The Firestorm roller coaster failed to stop as it approached the loading area, smashing into a preceding train. Seven people were injured. All were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.

A Land Rover used in Busch Gardens' highly promoted Rhino Rally attraction overturned in the middle of the ride, stranding its 17 passengers in the midst of wild animal habitat. The ride has been closed indefinitely. Passengers Saul Soto, a 23-year-old Orlando man, and 16-year-old Deidre Shellman of Tampa required med

The Millennium Force in Sandusky, Ohio was the world's tallest roller coaster when it opened in May 2000. Its first incline stretches 310 feet above the ground and the coaster can exceed 90 miles per hour. Its nearest competitor at the time was Japan's Fujiyama coaster, which was five stories shorter . Why do p

Walt Disney Co. officials say they will comply with a judge's order to reveal the names of patrons who suffered brain injuries caused by Disney rides. The judge previously sanctioned the company $2,500 for failing to comply with a similar order. Judge Madeline Flier fined the company for "willful bad faith" in faili

Climbing 235 feet into the air and rocketing down at speeds reaching 85 miles per hour, Six Flag's thrill ride Goliath recently proved deadly for one rider. Twenty-eight-year-old Pearl Santos, a California resident, rode Goliath on June 2, 2001. When the ride ended, Santos was unconscious and slumped over in her seat.

Consumer demand, as well as radical advances in technology, have pushed the amusement park industry into a new frontier. Rides are now faster, longer, taller and full of more safety equipment than ever before. Yet, deaths and injuries continue to occur. Some roller coasters reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per ho

Walt Disney Co. reached an undisclosed settlement in a lawsuit filed by a woman blaming Disneyland's controversial Indiana Jones Adventure ride for her brain hemorrhage. The company reached the confidential settlement with the 46-year-old woman after doctors diagnosed her with brain hemorrhage that required surgery.

The family of a four-year-old boy injured while on the Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin at Disneyland has sued the park for damages arising from the September 22, 2000 accident. The lawsuit alleges that Disneyland was, among other things, negligent in its operation of the ride, and as a consequence, four year-old Brandon Zu