2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. A state investigation found no evidence that the park acted illegally or had reason to believe the ride was unsafe. [13], Top Thrill Dragster's media day was held on May 1, 2003,[14] and it officially opened to the public three days later. Park Info. They can be seen in the video embedded below along with a commentary from America's Coaster Network with their thoughts on further changes. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2002, but it was dismissed in 2006. . Just like the waterslide in Kansas.. Upon descending, the track twisted 270 degrees before leveling out, allowing the train to be stopped by the magnetic brakes. You know its a shame, but you know wild things happen, said William Yohe. Posted by 8 days ago. Video captures screams after woman hit by metal part at Cedar Point SANDUSKY, Ohio (WOIO) - Cedar Point announced today that the Top Thrill Dragster will remain closed for the 2021 season following an incident where a guest was injured by an object that fell. 2's right rear lap-bar cylinder soft repair and a lap bar cylinder creep test. If Steel Dragon 2000 can reopen after shearing an axle causing a serious back injury and hit someone with a wheel then Dragster can reopen. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Boy, 8, hospitalized after getting hung from neck by rope ladder at PA amusement park, Girl clings from amusement park ride before dropping to the ground, injuring leg, Florida fairgoers get stuck upside-down on ride in terrifying mishap, Bob Iger jumping on Avatar boom with new ride at Disneyland. There may be reasons for the silence, including medical and ethical privacy concerns. [21], In August 2021, Top Thrill Dragster experienced a "serious accident"[22] in which a guest waiting in line was seriously injured after a small metal piece was dislodged from a train. Twitter. [42] Its marketing tagline was "Race for the Sky". Rachel Hawes Incident. Those upgrades were made and the ride was ruled compliant on May 15. Yesterday, Cedar Point announced through a simple video posted to their official twitter page that the reimagined Top Thrill Dragster will return in 2024. We arent kidding when we say that this high-octane sprint to the checkered flag knows a thing or twenty about horsepower.. Eyewitness describes Cedar Point coaster accident: It looked like a metal disc flying through the air, Cedar Point guest injured after being hit by falling roller coaster part. January 10 - Since September 2022 when it was confirmed that this legendary coaster would indeed be reimagined, all eyes have been on Cedar Point and the construction progress of the iconic Top Thrill Dragster. Although Intamin has not worked with Cedar Fair since 2010 due to a number of issues with its installed rides at the parks, it would seem sensible with all the developments in reliability that Intamin has made in the last decade that Cedar Point would want their input for this extensive project because surely who best to do the job but the original creators of the attraction. So far, we have not had confirmation of what exactly this reimagining will look like when it is finished but there has been a lot of speculation online from Top Thrill Dragster fans and coaster enthusiasts (see below). It was once the tallest roller coaster in the world. Published on August 16, 2021 08:51 PM. [33], On July 14, 2004, four people were struck by flying debris while riding the coaster. [4] The concrete footings were kept hidden behind a fence when the park opened for the 2002 season. The 420-foot (128-meter) tall Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster will remain closed as officials from the park in Sandusky, ride experts and state authorities investigate, Cedar Point said in. The ride's speed, height and hydraulic launch system make it a constant maintenance project. Adding a Multi-launch system which could then include a roll-back. I have no idea. The Infamous Top Thrill Dragster Accident 2021 (Documentary) - YouTube 0:00 / 11:54 The Infamous Top Thrill Dragster Accident 2021 (Documentary) Dark History 248K subscribers. It is great to see that Cedar Point is wasting no time at all in pushing forward with this much needed reimagining of Top Thrill Dragster. The entire ride lasts 17 seconds. Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day. The Top Thrill Dragster coaster at Cedar Point remains closed while the investigation continues. Cedar Point's legacy of roller coaster innovation continues with a one-of-a-kind addition to the park's world-renowned ride lineup, coming in 2024. Cedar Point closing Top Thrill Dragster after severe injury last year There have been other incidents involving the coaster that led to injuries though none as seriousas the latest one. We were there to assist, he said. Top Thrill Dragster Accident 2021 - Cedar Point Accident Today. Click Rachel Hawes is a 44 year old woman from Swartz Creek, Michigan. [8] Originally, the design called for five cars on each train, but when the ride first opened, there were only four. Sandusky firefighters are seen in the video preparing to take her from the park to a hospital. And some 19 years and a troubled past later, Cedar Point is retiring the famed Top Thrill Dragster. Tony Clark, the director of communications at Cedar Point, tweeted: "After 19 seasons in operation with 18 million riders experiencing the worlds first strata coaster, Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired.". World's tallest complete circuit roller coaster, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:10. Updates About Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio, US permanently closed following serious accident, "Cedar Point gives update on future of Top Thrill Dragster: 'New formula of thrills', "New Cedar Point coaster is a top-speed 'Dragster', "How to Build A Giant Quietly? People who live in Sandusky still couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that such an accident happened. I mean I seen, like, a picture of what that metal was and that was a pretty thick piece of metal to just snap off like that., They sent us a statement that reads in part, Cedar Point has cooperated fully with ODA throughout its investigation into the incident and we will closely review the substance of ODAs report.. It seems as if the launch cable and retractable brake-fins on the launch track are being removed which isn't going to be a surprise to most now we know that the coaster is being reimagined, likely with a magnetic launch system. We are very excited to see what Cedar Point has in store for the legendary Top Thrill Dragster in this extensive reimagining. Prior to the accident, the Top Thrill Dragster was last inspected by the state on May 14 and no major issues were found. When Top Thrill Dragster debuted, it set four new records: It became the fastest roller coaster in the world with a maximum speed of 120mph (190km/h). Tony Clark, a Cedar Point spokesperson didnt respond to another request for an update on the investigation into the ride Tuesday. All rights reserved. Write this down, he said during a recent phone interview. The decision by Cedar Point comes a year after a small metal object flew off the 128m-tall Top Thrill Dragster coaster and struck a woman in the head at the park in Sandusky, leaving her with severe injuries. Daughter of murdered couple linked to Delphi case reveals paranoia, Serena Williams stepmom's debts continue to spiral amid crumbling home battle, Alex Murdaugh looks unrecognizable in new mugshot hours after sentencing, 'Glaring error' left 'habitual liar' Alex Murdaugh 'boxed in' during trial, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, The Top Thrill Dragster has been permanently closed, A woman waiting in line was hit on the head by a metal bracket. The statement said that a small metal object fell off a Top Thrill Dragster train as it was ending its run and hit a female guest who was standing in the ride queue. [8] Officials for the park stated the goal was to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching 420 feet (130m) in height and accelerating up to 120mph (190km/h) in 4 seconds. Cedar Point Dragster Accident {Aug} Get Complete Insight - https://www.youtube.com/c/ThemeParkPredictionsElToroRyan - https://www.youtube.com/c/ElToroRyanCoaster Thrills - https://www.youtube.com/c/CoasterThrillsFrank H. - New Entertainment Pictures - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxYSNV4S6W1loUHaL00Biw East Coasters - https://www.youtube.com/c/EastCoasters Her identity and condition remain unknown. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The inspection did, however, find some issues that needed to be upgraded to bring the ride into compliance. From 2021:Woman at Cedar Point struck in the head by falling roller coaster piece. Rachel is fighting for her life, and we would ask for privacy in this difficult time.". Claim your SPECIAL OFFER for MagellanTV here: https://try.magellantv.com/darkhistory. 4 min read. [20] In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, timed boarding passes called "Access Passes" were used temporarily to comply with social distancing guidelines. With 87% of people who voted in our recent poll saying they want to see Top Thrill Dragster reopening we are guessing many of our readers will be following the progress of this closely. tragic mishap last August severely injured a park guest, Woman at Cedar Point struck in the head by falling roller coaster piece, Multiple people injured on New Jersey Six Flags roller coaster with derailment history, officials say, New roller coaster, boardwalk in plans for 2023, Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Cedar Point:New roller coaster, boardwalk in plans for 2023, What's everyone talking about? Thats what theyre going to do., He added, If they tear it down, it wont be because of this one incident. My creation stands one meter tall (126 studs), and a has a two meter (288 stud) run out. Part detaches from Cedar Point roller coaster and hits woman Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster closes for remainder of - WDIV 3. In February, state investigators determined the amusement park in Sandusky was not responsible for what was determined to be an accident. The woman, who was hit in the head, was transported to Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. The accident has left 44-year-old Rachel Hawes of Michigan in intensive care with a brain injury, according to a family statementreleased to a Cleveland TV station. User account menu. Meanwhile, its unclear when or even if Top Thrill Dragster will operate again. [31] Prior to the end of Cedar Point's operating season, parts of the roller coaster's track near the station were dismantled. 4 Potential Options For The Disney's Hollywood Studios Attraction, TOP THRILL DRAGSTER: The High Octane Life of Cedar Point's Coaster Wars Icon And Its Race to Relaunch. When it opened in 2003, Top Thrill Dragsterwas the tallest and fastest coaster in the world, but those records were surpassed in 2005 by the Kingda Ka coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. From the start, the coaster was plagued by issues that led to its frequent closings as the park grappled with its complicatedhydraulic system. The investigation has found that half of the bolts thatsecured the bracket to the train body had also dislodged. * Who is the victim and what is her condition? But it was later eclipsed by the Kingda Ka ride at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster victim identified as Rachel Hawes take a deeper dive into this in the video below. He added, I can guarantee you this was not the first time something like this has happened. According to the ODA, the last inspection of the Top Thrill Dragster was completed on May 14, 2021, by four ODA inspectors, WJW Fox8 News reported. Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster Media Story", "Cedar Point To Build Major New Thrill Ride For 2003 Season", "Top Thrill Dragster: Race for the Sky | Cedar Point", "Cedar Point makes good on its bet with 'Top Thrill Cubster' in honor of Chicago Cubs' World Series win over Indians (Video)", "Cedar Point opening day preview: Face masks, social distancing, HalloWeekends and more", "Cedar Point says Top Thrill Dragster, involved in serious accident, will remain closed for 2021", "ODA provides update on Top Thrill Dragster incident", "No laws broken in Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster mishap that severely injured woman", "Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster, involved in August accident, will remain closed in 2022", "One of Cedar Point's most popular rides will be shut down for the 2022 season", "Cedar Point to retire Top Thrill Dragster", "Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point being retired, officials say", "Cedar Point permanently closing Top Thrill Dragster, world's second-tallest roller coaster", "Cedar Point's newest coaster starting to take shape along the Lake Erie shoreline", "Record Holders (Statistic: Height, Type: Steel)", "Record Holders (Statistic: Speed, Type: Steel)", "Record Holders (Statistic: Drop, Type: Steel)", "Hydraulic launched roller coasters at RCDB", "Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster still closed, undergoing maintenance", "Top Thrill Dragster closed for 2022 season", "Cedar Point is shutting down Top Thrill Dragster for good", "Top Thrill Dragster to be retired from Cedar Point", Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Top_Thrill_Dragster&oldid=1142142857, Articles with dead YouTube links from February 2022, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from January 2023, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. [2], After leaving the station, the train entered the launch area. "This is a very complicated ride," he said. And in 2016, two guests were injured when a launch cable detached from the coaster. SANDUSKY A female standing in line to ride Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster was taken to a hospital after she was struck by a small metal . Investigators said they did not find enough evidence to show that the theme park violated any state laws. [23] An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) determined that half of the bolts securing the plate dislodged. In a statement announcing the closure, the park noted it legacy of ride innovation continues". Martin predicts that the ride will be permanently closed. Cedar Point patron injured while waiting to ride roller coaster AKRON, Ohio It was once the tallest roller coaster in the world. Before the mishap, some 18 million guests rode the ride that sent peoplesome 420 feet in the air at a speed of 120 miles per hour in just four seconds. A range of photos were leaked online before Christmas of the current Top Thrill Dragster site. 32 . The ride that dominates the Sandusky. Cedar Point is charged with making daily inspections of its rides. Martin said hes hoping for transparency from the investigation, from both the park and the state, in an effort to instill public confidence in the process. The park says an announcement will be made later detailinga new and "reimagined" ride experience. After she was taken away, another man approached the Sandusky police officer to describe what he saw. Intamin, however, could still be the ones to convert Top Thrill Dragster but they have now removed the ride from their website which could give clue that they are distancing themselves from the attraction. Four guests riding the coaster were hurt in 2004 when they were struck by metal shards from a metal cable during the launch. Top Thrill Dragster, which opened in 2003, stands 420 feet tall and goes from zero to 120 mph within 3.8 seconds. The ODA said their investigation included a post-accident inspection of the ride, interviews with Cedar Point staff, a review of thousands of pages of maintenance records, witness interviews, and lab reports. Cedar Point screenshot A roller coaster. I mean I think they should be kind enough and generous enough to help the family out., I feel like it probably should be a little stricter then because something like that shouldnt happen, said Sandusky resident Misty Townsend. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But the 420-foot-tall (128 meters) Cedar Point ride hasnt moved since a devastating accident left a woman with severe brain injuries.So in this video, I am analyzing the incidents that ended the Top Thrill Dragster.Subscribe for more fascinating disaster documentaries: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6yg8d7eoZF6vnL4e8mog?sub_confirmation=1Tragic history playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtCh3_Fxp9FtVfTqXA06J3jhoxIFjpaFSuggest a topic for my next video: https://bit.ly/DarkHistoryTopicsWe reveal the world's darkest and greatest disasters all based on true stories.This disaster documentary is inspired by the fantastic \"Fascinating Horror\".Footage from:Theme Park Predictions \u0026 More! [29][30] When it closed, Top Thrill Dragster had accommodated 18million riders over 19 seasons. "Rachel is fighting for her life, and we would ask for privacy in this difficult time. Her current condition is unknown. After all that, they say they found no evidence to indicate that Cedar Point knew the Top Thrill Dragster ride was unsafe or could cause a hazard to the public. Cedar Point announces it's retiring 'Top Thrill Dragster' after 19 The state on Monday released the one-page initialincident report, which identified the victim as Hawes ofSwartz Creek, Michigan, near Flint. The report said she had an "unknown type of head injury.". Manufactured by Intamin and designed by Werner Stengel, it opened in 2003 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, as well as the first full-circuit roller coaster to exceed 400 feet (120m) in height. Meanwhile, heres what is publicly known and not known about the accident: Clark issued a statement shortly after the accident, which occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. One eyewitness described it as a metal disc flying through the air; another said it looked like a heavy steel L bracket., Early this week, the Sandusky Police Department released the body camera video from a responding officer, which shows a portion of the emergency response to the incident. At the time, only four such cranes in the United States were tall enough to handle construction of the 420-foot tower section. [12] In March, Cedar Fair registered a trademark for the name "Top Thrill Dragster". Theme Park Tourist is one of thewebs leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.