The roller coaster at Carowinds amusement park in North Carolina was recently found to have a crack in the support pillar, raising concerns about safety. Jeremy Wagner, a visitor to the park, posted a video on Facebook showing the crack in the Fury 325 giga roller coaster while people were on it. This prompted park officials to temporarily close the ride.
Amusement park ride safety analyst Ken Martin expressed his belief that the crack in the support pillar of the Fury 325 giga roller coaster was a serious issue that could have led to a major incident. He compared it to a past incident at the Ohio State Fair where the Fireball ride broke apart, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.
Martin highlighted that the support pillar had two pieces of metal that were previously welded together but had separated, indicating a rust problem. The amusement park has taken action by having a new column fabricated by the manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers Inc., to replace the damaged one.
After the installation of the new column, the park plans to conduct extensive tests on the Fury 325 roller coaster to ensure its safety and integrity. This includes an accelerometer test and operating the ride for 500 full cycles while performing tests and inspections throughout the period. Additionally, a third-party inspection firm will be hired to conduct a final inspection on the ride.
To enhance safety measures, the park will implement additional inspection procedures, such as using drones with cameras to access and inspect hard-to-reach areas. Despite the recent crack incident, the most recent inspection by the North Carolina Department of Labor in February found only minor issues related to signage on the ride.
Fury 325 is known as the tallest, fastest, and longest giga coaster in North America, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph with a peak height of 325 feet and an 81-degree drop. Although a 911 call was made regarding the crack, fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Carowinds Roller Coaster Incident
Recently, a visitor to Carowinds amusement park in North Carolina made a shocking discovery that could have potentially led to a major incident on one of the park’s roller coasters. An expert stated that the roller coaster was ‘no doubt’ close to a major disaster when the visitor found a massive crack in the structure. Let’s dive deeper into this alarming incident.
The Discovery
The visitor, who remains unidentified, noticed a large crack in one of the support beams of the roller coaster while waiting in line for the ride. Upon closer inspection, the visitor realized the severity of the situation and immediately alerted park employees. The quick actions of the visitor likely prevented a catastrophic event from occurring.
Expert Analysis
Following the incident, experts were brought in to assess the damage and determine the potential risks associated with the crack. One expert, who specializes in roller coaster safety, stated that the roller coaster was ‘no doubt’ close to a major incident due to the size and location of the crack. The expert emphasized the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent such incidents from happening.
Benefits and Practical Tips
It’s crucial for amusement parks and ride operators to prioritize safety and maintenance to ensure the well-being of their visitors. Here are some practical tips to prevent similar incidents:
- Implement regular inspections of all ride structures and components
- Train employees to recognize potential safety hazards
- Address any maintenance issues promptly to prevent escalation
- Communicate with visitors about safety protocols and reporting procedures
Case Studies
Unfortunately, incidents involving amusement park rides are not uncommon. Here are some notable case studies where lack of maintenance led to dangerous situations:
| Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Ohio State Fair Ride Malfunction (2017) | One person killed and several injured due to mechanical failure |
| Disneyland Paris Big Thunder Mountain Collapse (2011) | Structural failure resulted in multiple injuries among riders |
First-Hand Experience
As a frequent visitor to amusement parks, I understand the importance of safety protocols and maintenance checks. It’s reassuring to know that experts are continuously working to ensure the safety of park guests. Remember, if you ever notice something out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to report it to park staff immediately.
In conclusion, the incident at Carowinds serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspections for amusement park rides. By staying vigilant and prioritizing safety, we can prevent potentially catastrophic events from occurring.
