Child falls from roller coaster at Idlewild

[IBEW_Sparky]

Details are still sketchy, but more sadness in the industry http://ktla.com/2016/08/11/child-falls-off-roller-coaster-at-idlewild-amusement-park-in-pennsylvania/

 

[VekomaRulz]

If it was Rollo Coaster looking at the cars:

http://rcdb.com/272.htm#p=27350

It is surprising that it looks like there are fixed lap bars and no seat belts for a kids/family coaster.

I hope the child has a full recovery.

[RailRider]

Live stream at 3:00 to update the situation.

 

http://www.wpxi.com/watch-live/live-events

[RollerNut]

If it was Rollo Coaster looking at the cars:

http://rcdb.com/272.htm#p=27350

It is surprising that it looks like there are fixed lap bars and no seat belts for a kids/family coaster.

I hope the child has a full recovery.

I believe this is one of a couple old wooden coasters that doesn't have lapbars, just the stationary bar. Jackrabbit at Kennywood also comes to mind but I believe it has seatbelts.

[RailRider]

Accident happened on mid point on Rollo Coaster.

 

Young Boy was conscious, talking and alert.  He was treated at scene, before being air lifted to area hospital.

 

Police department and detectives are handling investigation.

 

Park is working with the local authorities and will release further details once they become available.

[RollerNut]

I have been by sources that the Rolo Coaster has reopened but they are family, they both say the news reported it but I can't find no articles saying it. Anyone know?

[upstop]

Such a tragic week and such a depressing way to end the summer. No more bad news!!!

[RailRider]

http://www.wpxi.com/news/boy-3-who-fell-off-idlewild-coaster-was-reportedly-riding-with-7-year-old-brother/421399760

 

 

Boy that fell was 3 years old and he was ridding with his 7 year old brother.  Fell an estimated 10 feet.  

[The Interpreter]

The boy is in critical condition...with an apparent head injury.

So sad.

[medford]

after watching a POV it appears that those cars a terrible design in terms of safety, even more so if you are talking about a 3 year old boy and a 7 year old brother, but just terrible in general from a safety standpoint.  I'm sure they make the ride much more fun, but there is a reason why The Beast and Racers lost their buzz bar and installed seat belts.  It may not be quite as enjoyable, but it offers far less liability to the park.

[Oldiesmann]

Keep in mind that this coaster is nearly 80 years old. Safety in 1938 wasn't what it is today. Also, the coaster is only 27 feet tall, so they probably didn't think seatbelts were necessary.

 

Interestingly enough though, the park's website says riders under 48" must ride with an adult. Most parks don't consider 7-year-olds adults.

[RollerNut]

after watching a POV it appears that those cars a terrible design in terms of safety, even more so if you are talking about a 3 year old boy and a 7 year old brother, but just terrible in general from a safety standpoint. I'm sure they make the ride much more fun, but there is a reason why The Beast and Racers lost their buzz bar and installed seat belts. It may not be quite as enjoyable, but it offers far less liability to the park.

Rolo coaster doesn't have buzz bars, it has a stationary bar that riders are supposed to hold on to. Kennywood has a far bigger coaster that only has leather straps and a stationary bar.

[freaks76]

Sad. Hope the kid is gonna be ok.

[Oldiesmann]

Interesting that a 27-foot-tall coaster wouldn't even have buzz bars. I know it was built in 1938, but at some point you think they'd improve the restraints. Even the coaster I rode at the fair last night (a portable Orient Express from Wisdom Rides) has lapbars and it's not even 10 feet high.