A Cedar Point accident injured seven people aboard a water ride Friday when their boat rolled backwards down a hill and flipped over. Cedar Point, in Sandusky, Ohio, is one of the most well-known amusement parks in the world.
The abrupt malfunction accident tossed the seven riders overboard. Park police officers, medical personnel and ride operators scrambled into the water to aid the injured. One person was reportedly stuck underneath the flipped boat for several minutes.
Shoot the Rapids, which debuted in 2010, is a water thrill ride. Passengers are transported in log flume boats that carry up to 10 riders. The ride has two hills. The first hill is 85 feet tall and has a 45 degree angle.
The ride was immediately shut down following the accident.
“We jumped in and helped them get out. If we didn’t help, I don’t even know what would have happened,” said one witness, Matthew Orr, according to Sandusky Register.
Six people were treated at the park and were released for minor injuries, but one rider was taken to the hospital for further medical assistance and evaluation. Later, reports confirmed the hospitalized patient was also released.
The Shoot the Rapids ride at Cedar Point will be closed until exact cause has been identified and confirmed that it is safe for public use.
“The safety of our guests is our number one priority,” park officials said in a statement.
