Silver Dollar City employee died of blunt force head trauma; OSHA opens investigation
Silver Dollar City announced Thursday an employee died following an incident that happened while he was working Wednesday at the theme park near Branson.
Silver Dollar City has not released the employee's name or how he was injured, saying in a news release it is "working closely with the proper entities to identify the cause."
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into the incident Friday.
The employee was hospitalized Wednesday with "head injuries allegedly sustained during maintenance and testing of a rollercoaster," said Rhonda Burke, U.S. Department of Labor deputy director of public affairs. The employee was eventually pronounced dead Thursday with blunt force trauma to the head.
Burke did not say on which ride at the park the injury occurred. No visitors were injured in the incident.
More: Silver Dollar City announces employee died following incident at amusement park
OSHA's investigation will determine how the injuries were sustained and if any violations of safety requirements were a factor in the injury and subsequent death. Burke said OSHA has six months to complete its investigation, issue citations and propose monetary penalties.
The deceased employee had worked at Silver Dollar City since 2017 in maintenance and construction, the theme park said. Silver Dollar City has been open for business this week.
"Our prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are unable to provide any further information," Silver Dollar City said in a statement on Thursday.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Silver Dollar City employee died of blunt force head trauma
