Ohio man struck by roller coaster and hospitalized in King Island

MASON, Ohio — A guest at Kings Island amusement park was critically injured on Wednesday evening after entering a restricted area and being struck by the Banshee roller coaster. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. and has prompted an ongoing investigation by park officials and local law enforcement.

According to a statement from Kings Island, the guest, a 38-year-old male, accessed a fenced-off area near the Banshee roller coaster, which is known for its high speeds and dynamic features. The Banshee, an inverted steel coaster, boasts the world's longest track of its kind and reaches speeds of up to 68 miles per hour. The man was reportedly struck by the ride, resulting in severe injuries.

Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Initial radio calls indicated that the man had suffered massive head trauma after being hit by the roller coaster traveling at high speed. He was first transported to University of Cincinnati West Chester Hospital and subsequently airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further treatment. As of Thursday morning, the man remains in critical condition, and his identity has not been disclosed.

Eyewitness accounts from park-goers on social media platforms like Reddit provide additional context to the incident. One attendee described seeing a man lying face down in the grass below the coaster towards the end of their ride. Another witness mentioned that the man had been frantically asking employees about keys he had lost on the ride before entering the restricted area through a door meant for employees. Despite attempts by others to dissuade him, the man proceeded into the restricted zone.

Kings Island officials have expressed their concern for the well-being of the injured guest and his family. In a statement, they emphasized that the park's safety and first aid personnel responded immediately to the situation and contacted local emergency responders. The Banshee roller coaster has been closed indefinitely as the investigation continues.

This incident is not the first time Kings Island has faced safety challenges. Over its five-decade history, the park has seen a few rare but serious accidents. In 2006, 27 people were injured when a car on the Son of Beast ride hit a separated span of track. The worst day in the park's history occurred on June 9, 1991, when three visitors died in two separate incidents: two men were electrocuted in a pond, and a woman fell from the Flight Commander ride.

Despite these incidents, Kings Island maintains a strong safety record and has implemented numerous safety measures over the years. The park's code of conduct explicitly prohibits guests from entering restricted areas, and signage around the park warns of the inherent risks associated with amusement rides. Kings Island also employs a dedicated security force and utilizes surveillance cameras to monitor park activities.

The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and respecting restricted areas within amusement parks. As the investigation unfolds, both Kings Island officials and local law enforcement are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the man's critical injury.

Kings Island remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The park's focus continues to be on the welfare of the injured guest and his family, and officials have stated that there is no additional information to share at this time. The Banshee roller coaster will remain closed until further notice, and park officials are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

As the summer season progresses, this incident highlights the need for vigilance and caution when visiting amusement parks. While such accidents are rare, they underscore the potential risks associated with thrill rides and the importance of following all safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.