Man possibly hit by Banshee roller coaster at Kings Island. Here's what we know
Investigations are underway after Kings Island announced a man was possibly struck by one of the park's roller coasters Wednesday evening.
Here's everything we know about what unfolded at Kings Island Wednesday night.
What happened at Kings Island?
According to a press release from the park, the man entered a restricted area near the Banshee roller coaster at around 8 p.m. It is believed that is where the ride may have struck him, the statement said.
Kings Island personnel called dispatchers asking them to send paramedics to the roller coaster for someone who suffered a "head injury," according to Warren County Communications Center records.
Dispatchers said first responders reported that a man was found with "major head trauma." The man was transported to West Chester Hospital and then to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in a medical helicopter.
What's the status of the man's condition?
The man, who is 38 years old, sustained a "critical injury," Mason police said in a Thursday news release. Police have yet to release the man's identity, but Lt. Nathan Ketterer did confirm he is an Ohio resident.
Why was the man in the restricted area?
Ketterer told The Enquirer the man was in the restricted area to retrieve keys that he had dropped while previously riding the Banshee.
What is the Banshee?
The Banshee is an inverted coaster that has been at the park since 2014. Coasterpedia says an inverted roller coaster has trains that run underneath the track. Unlike the older suspended roller coaster, the seats are attached directly to the wheel carriage and thus the vehicles do not swing outwards on corners. According to the Kings Island's website, Banshee travels up to 68 mph and has a 167-foot lift hill.
Who is investigating?
Kings Island officials have notified the incident to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which has a Division of Amusement Ride Safety and Fairs.
In an email to Enquirer media partner Fox19, department spokesperson Meghan Harshbarger wrote, “Kings Island notified the Ohio Department of Agriculture of an incident Wednesday evening at the Banshee rollercoaster. ODA ride inspectors are on site today to conduct a full re-inspection of the ride and an investigation to ensure the ride was operating in accordance with Ohio’s law and rules."
More: June 9, 1991: Deadly day at Kings Island with 3 deaths, 1 hospitalization
When will the Banshee roller coaster reopen?
The Department of Agriculture spokeswoman said there was no timeline for the agency's investigation. Kings Island and police are continuing to conduct their investigations, as well. The park has not announced when the ride will resume operation at the park.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man possibly hit by roller coaster at Kings Island, park officials say
