A man was struck by a roller coaster at an Ohio theme park, police said.
The incident happened on the “Banshee” ride at King Island amusement park around 8pm on Wednesday.
At 167 feet tall and 4,124 feet long, Banshee is the longest steel inverted roller coaster in the world. According to the theme park’s website, it has a top speed of 68 miles per hour, which it only reaches halfway through the ride.
Emergency crews were called to the scene after reports of a man being struck by the rollercoaster while traveling at top speed. Initial emergency calls said the man suffered “traumatic injuries” and was taken by helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
A 38-year-old man, whose name has not yet been released, was found injured inside the restricted area.
“It appears he entered a fenced-in exclusion zone on the Banshee rollercoaster and was struck by the ride,” the theme park said in a statement. FOX19 Now.
“Park safety and emergency personnel immediately responded to the situation and contacted local emergency responders,” the statement said.
“The ride remains closed while local authorities and park staff conduct an investigation.”
“Kings Island remains focused on the well-being of our guests and their families.”
No update has been released on the man’s condition.
Banshee Ride will remain closed while authorities and park officials investigate the incident.
Neither police nor park authorities have determined the man’s motive for deciding to enter the restricted area.
Banshee first opened in 2014 and is one of the amusement park’s main attractions.