A man died accidentally while riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe in Florida, suffering fatal blunt-impact trauma after hitting his head multiple times during the ride. Investigations confirmed safety procedures were followed, and the death was deemed an accident, with the ride's safety warnings and conditions noted. The incident follows recent safety legislation in Florida after a previous amusement park tragedy.
A man named Kevin Zavala died after becoming unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe park. The autopsy ruled the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries, and it was deemed an accident. Zavala, who had a preexisting spinal condition, was remembered by his family for his resilience and spirit. The park is cooperating with investigations, and safety protocols are being reviewed.
P Diddy's twin daughters, Jessie James and D'Lila Star, were removed from a rollercoaster at the Orange County Fair for refusing to put away their phones, sparking social media debate about safety rules and celebrity treatment. The incident occurred amid ongoing legal issues involving their father, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, which have increased public scrutiny of the family. The twins are working to establish their own identity through a fashion line, despite the media attention.
Lithuanian engineer Julijonas Urbonas designed a conceptual 'euthanasia rollercoaster' intended to kill its passengers through extreme G-forces. The ride, which features a series of increasingly tight loops, would subject riders to 10Gs of force, leading to cerebral hypoxia and eventual death. The design includes a protocol where all 24 passengers must press 'go' to proceed, allowing them to say their final words before the ride begins. The project, which won a technological art prize in 2013, remains a hypothetical exploration of euthanasia.
Fourteen people were injured, two seriously, at PortAventura theme park in Tarragona, Spain, after a tree fell onto a rollercoaster due to strong winds. The incident occurred when branches hit visitors on the Tomahawk ride, with Catalan emergency services attending to the injured.
The Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka broke down mid-ride, leaving 32 passengers dangling upside down at a height of 150ft. The amusement park made an emergency stop and all passengers were safely rescued by staff and taken down via emergency stairs. No injuries were reported. The exact cause of the malfunction is unknown, but the ride was deemed safe after tests. This is not the first incident for the rollercoaster, which has experienced previous emergency stops with passengers on board. Universal Studios Japan attracts over ten million visitors annually.
Universal Studios has announced that the Donkey Kong Country area of Super Nintendo World Japan will open in spring 2024. The expansion will feature a new rollercoaster called Mine Cart Madness, exclusive merchandise, and power-up bands for interactive experiences. The Donkey Kong expansion is expected to increase the size of Super Nintendo World Japan by 70 percent.
Universal Studios Japan has revealed the first details of the upcoming Donkey Kong Country area in Super Nintendo World, set to open in spring 2024. The main attraction will be Donkey Kong's Crazy Cart, a rollercoaster ride where players protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe. Visitors will also have the opportunity to collect the K O N G letters using a Power-Up Band and track their collection through the official USJ mobile app. The expansion will make Super Nintendo World 1.7 times larger and will feature additional activities developed in partnership with Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
Universal Studios Japan is adding a Donkey Kong park to their Super Nintendo World attractions, featuring a Donkey Kong rollercoaster. Construction is progressing, with a sneak peek of one of the Donkey Kong temples visible. The opening date is unknown at this time.
Riders on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster at Universal Studios in Orlando were stuck in a vertical position for nearly an hour on Thanksgiving night. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed that there were no injuries and the Orlando Police Department initiated the emergency call. The steel coaster features a 167-foot-tall vertical lift, and photos shared on social media showed the train stopped near the top. Universal Studios and the Orlando Police Department have been contacted for more information.
Carowinds' Fury 325 rollercoaster in Charlotte, North Carolina, has reopened after being closed for nearly six weeks due to a crack in a support beam. The ride underwent repairs, testing, and a final inspection by the North Carolina Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. A new steel column was installed, and over 500 full cycles were completed to ensure the ride's integrity. The bureau approved the reopening after conducting its final inspection. Carowinds expressed gratitude to those involved in the repair process and welcomed back guests to one of their most popular rides.
A 6-year-old child was found injured under the Galaxy Spin rollercoaster at Fun Spot in Kissimmee, Florida. The child was taken to the hospital with traumatic injuries, and their condition is currently unknown. The ride has been closed pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which found no mechanical issues during an inspection. Fun Spot stated that they will not reopen the ride until they are certain that a similar incident will not occur again.
Holiday World, a theme park in Santa Claus, Indiana, is set to open a new family coaster called "Good Gravy" in May 2024. Themed after the beloved condiment, the coaster is a family boomerang and the first of its kind in North America. Riders will board a train shaped like a gravy boat, experience a thrilling journey hitting a maximum speed of 37 mph, and pass through Thanksgiving-themed elements such as a giant cranberry jelly can and a 20-foot tall whisk. The coaster, designed and manufactured by Vekoma Rides, will cost approximately $10 million and has a 38-inch height requirement. The park aims to provide a complete Thanksgiving experience with additional features like a play area, benches, shade, and air-conditioned queue.
Eight people were left hanging on the tracks of a 72-foot-high rollercoaster at Adventure Island in Southend, Essex, for at least half an hour after the ride broke down. Rescuers scrambled to aid the stranded riders, who remained calm during the incident. An emergency escape platform lift was used to safely evacuate the passengers, including an eight-year-old girl. Eyewitnesses praised Adventure Island's response to the incident.
Carowinds' Fury 325 rollercoaster was shut down after a large crack was discovered in a support beam. Rollercoaster expert Gary Kilpatrick suggests that the crack could have been caused by issues with a welded area, a defect in the material, or fatigue stress from the ride. If left unnoticed, the crack could have led to a catastrophic failure. The builder of the ride, Bolliger & Mabillard, is likely responsible for the incident and repairs. The rollercoaster remains closed until further notice while inspections and repairs are conducted.
