© Clint Novak
Idle again:With this recent closure, many wonder about how the ride will reopen. |
After a successful run since opening its new coaster, Diamondback, for the 2009 season, Kings Island has come upon the first mishap of the season.
Allegedly, on May 31, a woman reported to have gained a head injury on Son of Beast after riding it. However, the complaint wasn't filed to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees amusement park operations, until June 16th. The park has since voluntarily closed the ride due to the inspections upon the woman's complaint, and the park also states that mechanical reasons called for the ride's closure. It is now known at the moment how long Son of Beast will be down for this incident.
Son of Beast is no stranger to long closures and accidents. The ride was plagued with delays when it first opened in 2000, and in 2006, a damaged piece of track in the first helix sent a train load of 27 passangers to the hospital, prompting the use of new trains and the removal of the signature loop that once had the ride claim to be the world's only looping wooden roller coaster.
While the recent closure has prompted rumors on the ride's removal, Kings Island has not revealed public intentions to perminately close the ride.
