http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/28/the...ity/index.html
Quote:
| Teen decapitated at theme park, police say ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A teenager died Saturday when he was decapitated at the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park outside Atlanta, authorities said. The 17-year-old park visitor was killed after scaling two 6-foot fences around the Batman roller coaster, said a statement issued by park spokeswoman Hela Sheth. He was struck by the coaster and killed, she said. It was unclear how fast the coaster was moving when it struck the teen, but according to the park's Web site, the ride reaches speeds of 50 mph. "We do not know why this person was intent on gaining access to this restricted area," the statement said, noting that multiple signs are posted stating, "Danger Zone," "Do Not Enter" and "Authorized Personnel Only." Don't Miss "Some witnesses have stated that the individual was trying to retrieve something he had lost," Sheth's statement said. "Others reported that he was trying to touch the ride. This is merely speculation at this point, and we are working with park visitors and local police to learn more." No one on the ride was injured, she said. Police said the incident occurred about 2 p.m. The victim's family was at the park with him, Sheth said, and park representatives were with them Saturday evening. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," she said. In May 2002, a worker was killed after he walked under the Batman roller coaster's track and was struck in the head by a passenger's leg, according to The Associated Press. After the incident, the ride was inspected and deemed safe by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In June, a girl's feet were cut off when a free-fall thrill ride malfunctioned at the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park in Louisville, Kentucky. A cord wrapped around the 16-year-old's feet and severed them at her ankles while she was on the Superman Tower of Power, a police dispatcher said. |
