Rivertown is an area within the park that features a western theme depicting a town with ranch-style buildings, old wooden signs, and one of the park's most iconic attractions, the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad. Two passengers and a park employee were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. [126] The area included attractions such as Kings Mill Log Flume and Shawnee Landing, a canoe ride in a part of Rivertown known as Kenton's Cove.[13][104]. After a, On July 16, 2002, a park spokesperson claimed that one of the employees left their vehicle nearby on an open path next to the coaster, which caused one of the trains to collide into it during a routine test run of, On July 26, 2003, a 34-year-old woman suffered a heart attack while riding the coaster. There are inherent risks in riding any amusement ride. But like most other amusement parks across the nation that have been in operation for decades, Kings Island has seen both happen on very rare occasions. [47] The proposed tax hike was the center of debate for several months, as Kings Island actively encouraged the public to write, email, and call Mason City Council representatives to express opposition. [24] Three years later in 1987, Kings Island was sold individually to American Financial Corporation, led by Carl Lindner. Nickelodeon Universe became known as Planet Snoopy. They usually fall into one of the following categories: . Four riders received minor injuries while trying to escape and were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution. Seven of the 16 passengers involved were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. On August 13, 1986, a 32-year-old man leaped to his death from a curved, 9-foot-high (2.7m) restraining barrier on the tower's observation deck. [48] On February 8, 2010, Mason City Council voted 51 against the measure. Originally intended to be named Frontier Land, the area was eventually named Rivertown when it debuted with the park in 1972. The man was arrested by police, and the boy was rushed to a nearby hospital to treat life-threatening injuries. They usually fall into one of the following categories: (*) means the ride or attraction is no longer operating. On September 16, 1987, during construction for the new water ride, a sewage pipe collapsed off its supports which trapped and killed a 49-year-old male construction worker underneath 2 feet of dirt inside a 10-foot trench for almost 25 minutes before his body was recovered. Some of their notable work is the "Living Liberty Bell" topiary and working "Flower Clock" near the Eiffel Tower.[192]. On June 4, 2018, a bumper car on the ride caught fire but was quickly extinguished by the ride attendant. [55][56] In 1983, the area became known as Wild Animal Habitat and included Adventure Village, a new area within the rebranded section. On July 21, 2018, a 17-year-old boy threw a packet of hot sauce at a train. On August 5, 1998, two cars collided injuring four teenagers. A wire in the pond caused the problem and the second man was electrocuted when he entered the water to help the first man who had fallen in and was in obvious trouble. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and died the following day. The Beast and Banshee are among other attractions that have set world records, some of which are still held today. [8][25][26] The deal included a contract with KECO to continue managing park operations. In 2005, one of the last Paramount-themed attractions to open at the park, The Italian Job: Stunt Track (now known as Backlot Stunt Coaster), was unveiled. mar 2 2023 3:02pm. Oktoberfest, relating to the eponymous German festival, opened with the park in 1972. First was Nickelodeon Splat City, followed by Nickelodeon Central and eventually Nickelodeon Universe. It was ruled as an altercation between two family groups. [36] Seven months later in January 2006, CBS announced intentions to sell its theme park division. [15] The Brady Bunch was produced by Paramount Television, a large Taft Broadcasting shareholder. [20] To keep momentum going, Kings Island spent years researching and designing a mammoth roller coaster, The Beast, which opened in 1979 as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world. He was declared dead after being taken to Allentown Hospital. We enjoy fireworks every night at 10:00 when they are open. On August 21, 1994, a stuntman was airlifted to UCI Medical Center after being critically injured while performing a show at a certain area inside the park. On July 20, 2020, a 33-year-old man allegedly stole his grandmother's vehicle and led police on a highspeed chase before crashing outside the park on, On November 1, 2021, a woman filed a lawsuit against the park and its owners after she suffered serious injuries which eventually caused her to become permanently disabled from riding, On June 9, 1991, a park employee and guest trying to help another guest who had fallen into a pond, were electrocuted by an underwater circulation pump. [6] Some board members opposed relocating, including significant stockholder Charles Sawyer. On October 26, 2019, a group of teenagers sparked some firecrackers in the front gate causing guests to scramble, thinking it was a shooting. If his legacy could be rewritten, his successful, record-breaking jump at Ohio's Kings Island amusement park in October 1975over 14 Greyhound buses and 133 feetwould have been a more . The Rugrats Runaway Reptar inverted roller coaster was introduced the same year. [70][71] The park leaked clues implying a new ride would take its place,[72] and in August 2019 with park guests and press in attendance, the park unveiled its plans to build Orion. On July 25, 1979, a malfunction brought a coaster train on. On July 9, 2006, a vertical support timber cracked, leading to two more support beam failures. The attendant maintaining the ride quickly pressed the emergency stop button once the issue was addressed and all passengers were safely evacuated from the attraction. Traffic Hazard. On July 30, 2001, the upper rotating portion of the ride separated from the stationary base, leading to a sudden collapse of the passenger ride wheel. [95] 21 of the 29 cases have since been closed. [140] It originally opened in 1989 as WaterWorks and has since been expanded several times. It was ruled as a "freak occurrence.". Kings Island is a pay-one-price park. [177], On January 11, 2012, the amusement park and cemetery were featured on season 8, episode 1 of Ghost Hunters entitled Roller Ghoster. Evel Knievel's Last Jump: What Made Him Finally Quit? [142] Tropical Plunge, a seven-story water slide complex, was added for the 2016 season. 1:14. The observation deck was enclosed after the incident to prevent future occurrences. The park has also suffered through times of negative publicity, particularly surrounding the early demise of roller coasters The Bat and Son of Beast. The area was constructed to resemble the former park's carnival-style layout and featured many of its flat rides which were relocated, including Monster, Scrambler, and Dodgem. On July 29, 2022, a train derailed while Guests were riding it. [113] The ride was overhauled for the 1984 season when it became Smurf's Enchanted Voyage. The ride was temporarily closed pending an investigation of its safety features, which resulted in new lap bar installations. A spinning ride that features open-air, suspended passenger vehicles that will tilt vertically, sending riders to a maximum height of 60 feet (18m) at a maximum speed of 25mph (40km/h). 1999: The Adventure Village area begins the first of a two-year expansion, renamed Paramount Action Zone and rethemed as a movie studio backlot. [37][38] CBS CEO Leslie Moonves said that despite the health and profitability of its Paramount Parks business, it was "one that just doesn't fit our core strategy". The following is a list of former employees at Kings Island that later became well known in another industry:[173][174][175], Dogstreet Cemetery is located at the north end of the Kings Island parking lot and is maintained by Deerfield Township. On April 12, 2003, two men were shot, one of them critically, during a parking-lot altercation shortly after the sixth-annual Black Entertainment Television College Hip-Hop fest. Because if you were drinking you're going to lose your job and your bonus". Kings Island partnered with Arrow Development, an amusement ride company well known for its work at Disneyland and Disney World,[21] to develop a unique roller coaster concept. [14], Kings Island was nationally promoted in two well-known sitcoms on ABC. Kings Island was conceived as early as 1964 when Coney Island, a popular amusement park 10 miles (16km) east of downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River, suffered from a major flood that submerged the area in over 14 feet (4.3m) of water. Upon arrival, it was determined there were no gunshots, but multiple fights had broken out across the park, causing panic. An autopsy conducted by the York County Coroner's Office revealed that the victim's pulse had stopped once his body was found, then he was pronounced dead due to suffocation. Following this incident the ride was modified to include a bump at the bottom of its splashdown to prevent the boats from colliding. Some riders were also sprayed with hydraulic fluid. On June 1, 2001, the train became stuck in the cobra roll, and riders evacuated using the emergency staircase. A second boat pinned her underwater. It was part of a larger effort to move and expand Coney Island, a popular resort destination along the banks of the Ohio River that was prone to frequent flooding. [113] Shaped like a large TV set, the building housed separately-themed areas that made heavy use of animatronic Hanna-Barbera characters. [102] Since that accusation, Cedar Point has only chosen to publicly comment on their hiring practices and deny that they were ever 'lax' saying, "Cedar Point conducts background checks on new hire associates. A wooden roller coaster constructed and designed internally by Kings Island, which consistently remains a top roller coaster among many industry experts and enthusiasts. The incident took place around 3 p.m. A passenger sustained serious hand and leg injuries in the incident. Views: 196016. On July 15, 1993, a 34-year-old mentally disabled woman suffered severe head and internal injuries after falling 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1m) from the spinning gondola ride to the ground. He was treated at a nearby hospital. Banshee A 4,124-foot Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster with a 150-foot drop, top speed of 68 mph and seven inversions. mention of an accident on Drop Zone). I guess [6] He decided it was time to relocate the park to stay competitive. A junior steel roller coaster that takes riders up a small hill through a series of dips and then circles back around to complete the circuit for a second time. The ride reopened several days following repair, and no injuries were reported. The Bat was a suspended coaster formerly located in the Coney Mall section of Kings Island. Were you drinking? [92] Still, Sandusky Police Department Prosecutor, Kevin Baxter, has stated that the trend of rising sexual assault cases in Cedar Park is alarming and needs to be monitored. Council member Tony Bradburn argued that it was necessary for the city to help pay for infrastructure improvements, as well as cover police and fire expenses. Kings Island to debut new themed area in 2023", "Kings Island unleashes Banshee, world's longest inverted coaster", "Take a ride to Orion on Kings Islands 2020 giga coaster", "Ohio theme park unveils Orion, a 'giga coaster' with a 300-foot drop", "Kings Island announces new space-themed coaster Orion, with 300-foot first hill", "Update: This Roller Coaster Is On Its Way Out At Kings Island", "Video: Kings Island's Firehawk roller coaster comes crashing down", "Kings Island files blueprints for new coaster", "Kings Island celebrating 40th anniversary", "Riding History To The Limits International Appeal", "Waagner-Biro | Double and Triple Wheels", "Waagner Biro Double and Triple Tree Wheels", "Top 10 roller coasters at Ohio's Kings Island", "Kings Island to Retire Vortex After 33 Seasons", "Carowinds new 'flying machine' sends riders 30 stories up", "Kings Island 2019: We got a sneak peek at this season's new attractions. [61], Son of Beast opened in 2000, the second year of the area's two-year expansion. In August 1990, a man suffered back injuries while riding in a go-kart. On July 4, 2002, a 12-year-old girl received stitches on her forehead after being struck by an object while riding the coaster. Although none of them that were on board were seriously injured in the accident, four were taken to the park's first aid station as a precaution. On September 22, 2018, police were forced to close the ValleySCARE event early after a large number of fights broke out. On June 2, 2014, smoke from an overheated electrical motor filled the attraction building. [6][7], Leading the way was Gary Wachs, son of Coney Island president Ralph Wachs, who with friends and family owned a majority of stock. Recent tragedies include the girl who had her feet cut off when a cable snapped on the Drop Zone ride and people who were injured when the Son of Beast had a malfunction. The boy later died at a local hospital after being removed from life support. One victim was hospitalized and had surgery, while all of those injured were later reported to be in stable condition. The event originally debuted as FearFest in 2000, and the name was later changed to Halloween Haunt in 2007. A preliminary autopsy report found that she had an. These incidents were required to be reported to regulatory authorities due to where they occurred. Negligence on the part of the guest, such as refusal to follow specific ride safety instructions. [132], In 2009, the park's first roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, called Diamondback, opened in Rivertown. On March 17, 2007, seven park employees sustained minor injuries during a test run of BORG Assimilator (later renamed. On April 20, 2019, a massive brawl occurred during evening hours between groups of teenagers near the Planet Snoopy area. [51][52] For 2023, Kings Island plans to add a new themed area called Adventure Port, replacing the area once known as Oktoberfest and adding two new family rides Sol Spin and Cargo Loco. [6] In July 1969, Taft Broadcasting Company purchased Coney Island for $6.5 million and soon after purchased 1,600 acres (650ha) in Warren County, Ohio, for $3.2 million. Man arrested after stabbing near Kings Island - WDTN.com 19962023 Ultimate Rollercoaster, LLC. On July 11, 2021, an empty stroller remained in the ride's surrounding area as it got caught between one of the seats once the ride started moving and was dragged spinning through the air until eventually being thrown off. His face smacked into the back of the seat in front of his position. "[178] Warren County Genealogical Society records document a grave for a Missouri Jane Galeenor, who died in 1846 at age five.[179]. [8] Originally called Coney Island, the area was renamed Old Coney in 1980 and Coney Mall in 1986. [67][68] In addition to the new coaster, the park updated the area's theme for the 2020 season, renaming it from X-Base to Area 72 and adding the area to the park map for the first time. Two passengers were evaluated at the park's first aid station and later released, resuming their visit in the park. Nobody was injured, but the water park remained closed the next day following the incident. On July 18, 2021, riders on Lumberjack were stranded upside down for 5 minutes due to a possible control malfunction. The ride was later repaired and put back in operation about a week later. Seven people were treated at the park. What's New At least three people involved were cited. He was treated at Good Samaritan Hospital. June 9, 1991 was a grim night at Kings Island Amusement park in southern Ohio. Everyone on the ride was evacuated safely by park employees; no injuries were reported. Ratings assigned per Kings Island's own system, where "1" is least intensity and "5" is most. Parents recount amusement park accident that killed 11-year-old son On July 1, 1988, 19 passengers were evacuated off the ride by firefighters after being stranded for an hour when a car was bounced off the cable by a rowdy guest that was on board. Orion accident - Kings Island - Kings Island Central Forums Park ride attendees, signage and announcements alert riders to the severity of the physical jostling of each ride, including warnings for those pregnant, suffering high blood pressure or heart, back or neck trouble and those with recent surgeries to avoid riding. CHP Traffic Incident Information Page - California On July 21, 2017, a 41-year-old ride operator sued. [82][83] In the 1980s, flat rides Skylab (1986-1997) and Zephyr were added, along with a looping roller coaster named Vortex (1987-2019), which was the first in the world to feature six inversions. Each filmed an episode on location at the park: The Partridge Family in 1972 and The Brady Bunch in 1973. One of Kings Island's popular older coasters is down for repairs, after a wheel came loose. Two new rides . [20], On the heels of early success came turbulent times beginning in the 1980s. On June 28, 1994, an 11-year-old girl was injured while attempting to exit the ride. No serious injuries were reported. The cars on an engine were badly damaged after its roof collapsed while going through a tunnel. On June 23, 2016, a 66-year-old man was arrested by police after allegedly exposing himself to a 12-year-old girl in the wave pool at. Former employees have stated that the environment of living within the employee dorms is very chaotic often feeling like it's a party dormitory. At least two were wounded from gunfire, and three others were reportedly hospitalized for other injuries. The name was only designated by a sign and not labeled on the annual park map. There was no evidence of malfunction and the incident was deemed accidental. The Cobra also had a wheel break as it was coming into the platform several years ago and some people complained of injuries on that. He was pronounced dead at Charlotte Memorial Hospital. On October 14, 2001, twenty people were sent to the hospital after two trains collided during a rainy day. Details. Deaths at Kings Island | Roller Coasters, Theme Parks & Attractions Forum [106] Also located here is the Kings Island Theater and a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops. 2nd Thrill Ride Death In 2 Days - CBS News Twelve people filed lawsuits against the park, eight of them passengers and four of them parents. [12] Other roller coasters present on opening day in 1972 were the Bavarian Beetle, a small steel coaster brought over from Coney Island, and a new junior wooden coaster in the Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera originally named Scooby Doo. On July 24, 1976, a lion mauled a 20-year-old park employee to death. Nobody was injured and park officials temporarily shut down the ride the following day. On April 11, 2015, a safety mechanism halted the ride, stranding 60 passengers 150 feet (46m) in the air for approximately 15 minutes. The Warren County Genealogical Society documented nearly 70 grave sites in the cemetery, though as of 2005[update], only 52 headstones remained. He was pulled in front of the moving forklift by a rope he was holding, which was attached to a suspended steel column. Concert venue built to replace Stadium of Stars. Kings Island's The Bat closed after a wheel came loose while in - WCPO [8] Following the purchase, Fess Parker's efforts to secure financing fell apart along with his plans to build a competing theme park. One of the park employees dressed up as a ghost scared her by shouting loudly in her ear despite the fact that the girl did not want to be afraid. On July 2, 2000, a 44-year-old woman riding. It was the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world and the first of its kind to feature a vertical loop. [53][54], The area initially opened with the park in 1972 as The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera and was later shortened to Hanna-Barbera Land. A History Of Injury Spurs Kings Island Ride To Be Tore Down On June 16, 1994, a 14-year-old boy drowned in the wave pool. [74] In addition to rides, some of Coney Island's famous Ginkgo trees were transplanted, lining the middle of the walkway. blind transition road. On January 27, 2001, an employee was trapped under a locomotive and his legs were seriously injured. On July 4, 2017, a woman suffered major injuries and a concussion on the, On June 10, 2018, a woman was hit in the forehead by a cellphone while riding, On June 23, 2006, debris went flying during a launch on, On August 7, 1990, a boat on the White Water Canyon Rapids ride flipped over, injuring three, when one boat caught up with another near the ride's midpoint. Michael Clark has covered northern Greater Cincinnati K-12 schools for more than two decades. Midway Fire Rescue said the two-vehicle accident happened at around 4 p.m. Monday at 9094 . Hardly a day goes by that you don't hear about a tractor-trailer involved in a highway accident. A twin tracked wooden roller coaster designed by the late John Allen. Good lord, today was not a good day for Kings Island. Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. On February 5, 1991, one of the plaintiffs was awarded $35,000 after the jury deliberated for about four hours. They planned several years in advance to increase the scale of the event, which showcases over 5 million color-changing lights and dozens of live performances each night.[147][148]. I605 N / Washington Blvd Ofr. A classic spinning ride. mar 2 2023 3:01pm. On January 14, 2002, a 200-foot (61m) portion of one of. KINGS ISLAND, Ohio -- A high school senior was decapitated in moving elevator machinery at the Eiffel Tower attraction at Kings Island Amusement Park after possibly falling from the 300-foot tower . The ride was subsequently closed for alterations. On September 2, 2011, Kings Island announced a $10-million expansion of the water park for the 2012 season, as well as a plan to rename it Soak City. Other deaths include a tuba player from the clown band who was struck by lightning in the parking lot and miscellaneous heart attacks and medical deaths that are just going to happen in a place that deals with that many people. [93] The Cedar Park dorms that housed workers is where the alleged sexual assault cases all occurred. [32][58][114] It was themed as a behind-the-scenes tour of a haunted theater. Special lighting and fog effects are utilized throughout the park, and actors in costume engage with guests. PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WMBF) - First responders are on the scene of a head-on collision in Pawleys Island. On July 4, 1989, two boys intentionally jumped out of the ride. 17-year-old killed, 3 teens injured in tragic Long Island car crash Kings Island is divided into several themed sections and operates seasonally from early spring through the fall, partially reopening for Winterfest during the holiday season. I'm closing this thread since I'm in agreement that this topic has been well discussed. In 1986, a 13-year-old girl suffered injuries to her chest and abdomen when the ride came to a complete halt. For your protection, each ride is rated for its special features, such as high speeds, steep drops, sharp turns, or other dynamic forces, said officials. The water tower was originally part of a skit with stunts and special effects that imitated a live movie set with a director and stunt performers. [16] The park also held several world-record-breaking events. On Friday, word was finally leaked that Kings Island Amusement Park will be removing the "Son of Beast" roller coaster ride. On October 20, 1996, an employee was killed after being crushed between two of the ride's cars while trying to separate them. Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 to $35 more. Although she later admitted she had stood up during the ride, she was still awarded $69,000 during a court case. On July 12, 2007, a 4-year-old boy drowned in a two-foot deep area of the wave pool. One of the park's most well-known attractions, The Racer, is often credited with reviving worldwide interest in roller coasters during the 1970s. On September 5, 2016, around the time the park was closing, police were notified that a 22-year-old man allegedly shot a 14-year-old boy in the bus parking lot. A flying scooters ride with eight carriages that each have a paddle, enabling guests to change the movement of the carriage. In 1974, 69-year-old Karl Wallenda set a world record for the longest tightrope skywalk at a distance of 1,800 feet (550m), which was performed 60 feet (18m) off the ground. On July 19, 1990, an 18-year-old park employee was severely injured and placed in intensive care after getting struck by the wheel housing of a passing car. In 2007, a man with a pre-existing medical condition was taken to the hospital after riding and died the next day. Visitors claim seats flew off the Orion at Kings Island, park said it was water weights. [23] Three parks Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Carowinds were involved in the sale. Grand Carousel, a classic carousel built in 1926 and originally located at Coney Island, is another International Street attraction. It's a horror film", "The Banana Splits in Hocus Pocus Park (1972)", "IMDb "The Brady Bunch" The Cincinnati Kids (TV Episode 1973)", "Wallenda attempts high-wire walk over Kings Island", "Photos from Robbie's King's Island Jump", "Skywalks Exceeding the Limits of Tradition", Kings Island website A Very Brady Reunion, "High-wire acrobat to take thrills to new heights at Kings Island", "Brady Bunch stars returning to Kings Island! As The New York Times tells us, one particularly strange incident happened in 2005, when a 24-year-old man from Queens was spending a day at the beach with his friends. It reopened 1 day later on August 2 with limited operations. On August 7, 2016, a launch cable became detached on the ride. On September 23, 2000, one of the trains on, On September 1, 2001, a 20-year-old woman died from a ruptured cerebral artery a day after riding, On September 21, 2001, a 40-year-old woman fell out of. The term incidents refers to major accidents, injuries, or deaths that occur at a park. http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/forums/cgi/forum1.cgi?read=179492, For reports and opinions on park/ride mishaps etc see book 245i at www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com. Surfboard themed roller coaster like ride that spins as it glides over a ramp. A lawsuit was filed in August 2017. I'm sure it wouldn't take to much effort to find that thread. On September 16, 2009, a launch cable snapped on. [89][90][91] The most recent cases from Cedar Park were reported on May 24, 2022 as well as July 28, 2022. [19] Park executives favored the national exposure and additional revenue being generated by record-breaking, newsworthy events that kept the park at the forefront of the industry. The incident was the first death in Knott's history. In 2001, the log ride Kings Mills Log Flume was updated with a children's theme and renamed The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure. A third man, who was hospitalized, had gone into the water first and the two men were trying to come to his aid. No injuries were reported. Visitor safety has always been the top priority, said Kings Island officials. All were treated for minor injuries. Severe internal metal fatigue in a support post was determined as the cause. vehicles blocking lanes. [102] No official updates from Cedar Point regarding the sexual assault cases have been released since and the company's continued silence on this important issue has led to many supporters of the company thinking they are guilty.[103].