2 Riders Taken to Hospital After Dangling for Hours on Stalled Knott's Berry Farm Ride

What Happened?

On Sunday, August 13, 2023, two riders were taken to the hospital after being stranded for hours on a stalled ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The ride, known as "HangTime," is a steel roller coaster that features a 150-foot drop and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

The Incident

According to witnesses, the ride came to a sudden stop at approximately 1:30 p.m. PT. The two riders, who were in the front row of the train, were left dangling upside down for over two hours. Firefighters and park staff worked to evacuate the riders, but the process was slow and difficult due to the ride's height and complexity.

The Aftermath

The two riders were eventually rescued and taken to a local hospital. One rider suffered a broken leg, while the other rider had minor injuries. Knott's Berry Farm has closed the HangTime ride indefinitely while it investigates the incident.

The Investigation

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is investigating the incident. Cal/OSHA inspectors will examine the ride's maintenance records, interview witnesses, and conduct a thorough inspection of the ride's equipment. The investigation is expected to take several weeks.

The Impact

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of amusement park rides. Knott's Berry Farm is one of the most popular theme parks in California, and the HangTime ride is one of its most popular attractions. The incident is likely to have a negative impact on the park's reputation and could lead to a decrease in attendance.

The Recommendations

In the wake of the incident, experts are recommending that amusement parks take the following steps to improve safety: * Increase the frequency of ride inspections. * Train ride operators more thoroughly. * Install new safety features on rides. * Develop emergency evacuation plans for all rides.

The Conclusion

The incident at Knott's Berry Farm is a reminder that amusement park rides can be dangerous. It is important for parks to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of their guests.