Five people have been taken to hospital in New Jersey following an incident at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Ambulances were seen at the bottom of the ‘El Toro’ rollercoaster on Thursday (25 August) while a helicopter circled overhead.
Six Flags officials confirmed several guests had complained of back pain after riding El Toro towards the end of the week.
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According to ABC, five guests were taken to hospital to be evaluated and the park confirmed the ride had been closed for inspection.
Six Flags told UNILAD in a statement: "Several guests reported back pain and minor injuries after riding El Toro last evening. Thirteen guests were evaluated at the park, of which five were taken to a local medical facility for evaluation, where they were treated and released.
"The ride completed its normal cycle and all guests exited the ride without need of assistance. The ride will remain closed for inspection. Any maintenance and repairs necessary will be completed and the ride will be re-inspected by our engineers, maintenance professionals, our 3rd party independent safety inspectors and the state of NJ prior to re-opening."
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Last year, Six Flags Great Adventure was fined by state officials after El Toro – which is one of the world’s tallest wooden rollercoasters and can reach speeds of 70mph – partially derailed.
No visitors were injured during the incident, which took place in June 2021, and the derailment was caused when the rear-up wheel, which stops the train from lifting upwards, came up onto the rollercoaster’s rail.
Earlier this month, more than 30 people were injured in a rollercoaster crash at Legoland in Germany.
Three rescue helicopters were dispatched to the scene, with fire and rescue services also called in to assist in the rescue of those trapped on the rollercoaster.
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According to a statement by Legoland Germany, 31 people sustained minor injuries, which were examined and treated by doctors and paramedics on site.
The incident occurred when one rollercoaster train braked heavily and another train collided with it.
Legoland Germany said: "The staff immediately followed well-rehearsed safety procedures and guests were immediately evacuated from the trains and attended by trained resort staff."
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Also this month, Spanish theme park visitors were left trapped vertically at the top of a rollercoaster after the ride malfunctioned.
According to Spanish News Today, the incident unfolded on 4 August at around 9.00pm after a group of 10 visitors hopped on the 'Abismo' ride at the city's Parque de Atracciones.
Abismo sends thrill-seekers plummeting backwards from a 160ft height, reaching speeds of 105km per hour.
But after suffering a 'technical fault', the ride stopped dead in its tracks from the vertical drop, leaving guests suspended at the top while facing up to the sky.
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The park's website says Abismo ‘will make you feel incredible sensations along its route’.
It adds: "Along the way, Abismo will trace shapes in the air such as corkscrews, rises or inversions, which you’ll experience from within.
"The greatest impact will be at the end of the route, because you’ll ascend to the rollercoaster tower, but this time you’ll fall backwards."
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Topics: US News
Aisha Nozari