Man suffers 'massive head trauma' after being struck by Kings Island roller coaster
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A guest at Kings Island amusement park is fighting for his life after being struck by a roller coaster traveling at an estimated 68 miles per hour.
According to Mason police, a 38-year-old man suffered a critical injury after he was located near the Banshee roller coaster ride at Kings Island, in Mason, Ohio, northeast of Cincinnati. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when authorities responded to reports of a person lying down on the ground inside a restricted area.
The man was taken to UC West Chester hospital, and then flown by helicopter to UC Main Campus.
According to NBC affiliate WLWT, the man suffered “massive head trauma” after being struck by the roller coaster. A spokesperson with the amusement park said the man entered a restricted, fenced area of the ride, which tops out at 68 MPH.
Police have not released an update on the victim’s condition since, and it remains unknown what led to the incident.
The ride remained closed Wednesday night while authorities and park personnel continued to investigate. The park has not indicated if it will be in operation when the park opens at 10 a.m. Thursday.
The Banshee is known as one of the two longest steel inverted roller coaster in the world, spanning 4,124 feet. It includes four loops and elevation changes totaling 208 feet from the highest to lowest points of the ride.