Woman dies after falling from Texas Giant

[Simba]

A woman has died after falling from Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas yesterday (19th July, 2013).

Several news reports quote witnesses in the queue as saying that the woman was worried that her restraint was not properly fastened, but ride operators assured her that she'd be fine. Whilst details of the incident are unclear, it is thought that her restraint opened mid ride, and she was ejected as the train turned round the first corner.

The area around the ride was closed off to guests following the incident, but the rest of the park remained open. The coaster will remain closed whilst the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

The Texas Giant closed before the end of the 2009 season on 1st November, 2009, for extensive renovations which took the entire 2010 season to complete. The cost to renovate the ride was approximately $10 million. The renovations involved the removal of the wooden track and replacement with Rocky Mountain Construction's I-Box steel track and new Gerstlauer trains. The Texas Giant reopened in 2011.

A tragic theme park incident, which possibly could of been avoided if the operators had listened to the woman.

[Dalek Sec]

[Thekingin64]

Woops, that's not good. This definitely sounds like the ride op's fault though for not making sure the restraint was in properly. If I was that ride op, if a customer was complaining, I'd go check the restraint and if they're still complaining, try and push it in further.

[Simba]

If I was also a ride operator I would to also double check if they think it is bit lose or not locked properly.

[NightCoaster]

This is certainly tragic. The ride operators are stupid, if someone says their strap is loose it should be checked no matter what. Seriously hope these people get sued.

[Simba]

I personally think it is very likely that the park will get sued for this and the person who was operating it will probably get fired and probably fined for neglect.
I also don't think Texas Giant will be reopening anytime soon.

[Thekingin64]

They almost definitely will get sued for this. There is no way that the ride op will get off lightly either and will probably end up with him being fired and not being allowed back ever.

[TheAustralianViper]

I have no doubt that the park will get sued for this. But I wonder which members of staff would be more in trouble the person checking the bars or the actual ride operator, then again the whole team that was operating the ride at the time of the inicident could be fired.

[Simba]

[Dalek Sec]

Texas Giant's restraints use a hydraulic system meaning that the restraints do not "click when being lowered." Trains cannot be dispatch without green light indicator on-board the train for restraints.