MASON, OH – Disaster struck at an amusement park in Mason, Ohio, on Wednesday when a man entered a restricted area near the Banshee roller coaster and was critically injured as the roller coaster struck him. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at Kings Island theme park.
The 38-year-old man had reportedly wandered into a restricted, fenced-off area of the park. Quick to respond, park safety and first aid workers rushed to aid the man who was eventually transported to a hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The victim had allegedly told a park employee that he’d lost an item on the ride and wanted to retrieve it, leading to him accessing the restricted area around the roller coaster. Despite the employee informing the man that he would not be able to recover the item until the ride shut down, the man ignored the warning and continued his pursuit.
Interestingly, a witness at the scene recounted that the man was dressed in attire similar to the park staff, leading to confusion and further questioning.
To ensure safety and facilitate the ongoing investigation, the Banshee roller coaster will remain closed. The park spokesperson addressed the incident saying, “Kings Island’s focus continues to be on the welfare of the guest and his family.”