Jackson, NJ -
An unfortunate event recently transpired at Six Flags Great Adventure as a boy was struck in the head by a bird while riding Kingda Ka. Injuries sustained were classified as minor, but the boy was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment.

The boy has been identified as 12-year-old Shane Matus. In an interview with the UK's Daily Mail he said, "When it hit me I was like, ‘What the-? Did somebody throw a ball or something?’ When I started spitting out feathers, I was like, that was a bird.”

According to The Republic the collision occurred near the coaster's camelback hill, which is on the train's return trip to the station. The bird hit the boy in the face, which caused minor injuries to his face and neck. The Asbury Park Press is reporting that the collision happened around 4:45pm on Thursday.

Park spokeswoman Kristen Siebeneicher told the Asbury Park Press in an email, "“We immediately shut the ride down and notified the state Department of Community Affairs, which is protocol. They cleared us to reopen the ride approximately 30 minutes later.”

News.com.au is reporting that the bird in question was a pigeon. Guests who witnessed the incident described the bird as "exploding." The remains of the bird have been handed over to the Ocean County Health Department for further testing.

Kingda Ka opened in 2005 and currently stands as the tallest and second fastest coaster in the world. It stands at a height of 456 feet and reaches top speeds of 128 miles per hour. A Six Flags spokesperson made mention that Kingda Ka has never had an incident involving a bird collision in its past.