August 2020 Monthly Ride Report Recap

Limited operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced attendance and exposure to attractions operations. There were six (6) cases reported that have been recorded and recapped, plus four (4) cases reported from prior periods not previously recapped.

5 August, at Flamingo Land (UK), an employee reportedly sustained leg injuries while working on a ride, and was airlifted to receive medical care. Report 

8 August, at Traumland (Germany), a gondola on a revolving ride detached during the ride cycle, injuring a mother who was riding in the gondola with her toddler. Report (Dutch) | Report (German)

13 August, at Walibi Belgium, the Calamity Mine roller coaster was closed and media reported guests were injured by scenery that had fallen. Report (Dutch) | Report (Dutch)

17 August, at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center (AZ, USA) a trespasser died after becoming stuck inside a hollow structure supporting a waterslide. Report

29 August, A guest drowned in a pool at El Huemac Spa (Mexico). Report

30 August, at Anakeesta (TN, USA), guests on a mountain coaster had a close call with bears crossing the rail ahead of their vehicle. Report

Reports from prior periods

Also reported in August 2020, reports from previous periods, all associated with litigation bringing them into the news.

A guest at Six Flags Darien Lake (NY, USA) on 5 October 2019 contends that the headrest of his seat on the Predator roller coaster was damaged and broke during his ride, causing shoulder and spinal injuries. Report

A guest died after jumping into the deep end of a pool at Crystal Springs Water Park (NJ, USA) 10 August 2018. Report

Litigation was reported in connection with a drowning at Sahara Sam’s Oasis Water Park (NJ, USA), 30 July 2019. Report

Additional updates on the litigation with Hershey Park self-extracted before the Storm Runner roller coaster ride launch when he realized his restraint had not been secured by operators, 26 July 2018. Report | previous reporting in July 2020

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About Kathryn Woodcock

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, teaching, researching, and consulting in the area of human factors engineering / ergonomics particularly applied to amusement rides and attractions (https://thrilllab.blog.ryerson.ca), and to broader occupational and public safety issues of performance, error, investigation and inspection, and to disability and accessibility.