Roller coaster likely struck guest in restricted area of amusement park, officials say
Ohio amusement park officials said they believe a guest was struck by a roller coaster after entering a restricted area of the ride, according to media reports.
A Kings Island spokesperson said the guest entered a fenced, restricted area of the Banshee, an inverted roller coaster, around 8 p.m. on June 19, according to WKYC.
McCatchy McClatchy News reached out to Kings Island on June 20 for comment but did not immediately hear back.
The Mason Police Department identified the victim, found “on the ground inside one of the restricted areas,” as a 38-year-old man. His name was not released.
The man was flown to UC Medical Center with critical injuries, according to police.
An emergency dispatcher said the man was struck at 68 mph and has “massive head trauma,” WLWT reported.
A witness said the man told a ride greeter he needed to get back on the Banshee to retrieve something, but was told he would have to wait, WCPO reported.
Mason police and Kings Island park personnel are investigating the incident, authorities said.
A Kings Island spokesperson said the ride will be closed during the investigation, WKYC reported.
Kings Island is in Mason, which is about a 25-mile drive northeast from Cincinnati.
