A 38-year-old man was critically injured at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio on Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024, after being struck by the Banshee rollercoaster, one of the park’s main attractions. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. when the man entered a restricted area near the ride, which reaches speeds of up to 68 mph.
First responders arrived at the scene shortly after receiving a report of a man struck by the rollercoaster at its top speed. The man, whose name has not been released, was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after suffering a traumatic head injury. Initial reports indicated he had been hit inside the restricted area of the Banshee ride.
Kings Island officials reported that their safety and first aid teams quickly addressed the incident and notified local emergency services. They emphasized that their primary concern remains the guest’s and his family’s well-being.
According to witnesses, the man approached a ride attendant, claiming he had left his keys behind and needed to retrieve them. Despite being advised that nothing could be done until the ride closed, the man entered the restricted area. One witness mentioned that the man was dressed similarly to park employees, leading some to believe he might have been staff or a manager.
Aaron West, a first-time visitor to Kings Island, expressed his shock, stating, “It was quite surprising. You don’t expect to witness something like that at an amusement park. We assumed he would go to the lost and found, not that he would climb over the fence to search for it himself.”
The Banshee, which opened in 2014, is known as the world’s longest steel inverted rollercoaster. At 167 feet tall and 4,124 feet long, it includes seven inversions and reaches its top speed midway through the course. Kings Island’s website describes the ride as a premier attraction, emphasizing safety measures. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
Local law officials and park personnel are thoroughly investigating how and why the man entered the restricted area. Mason Police Chief Todd Bailey commented, “We are looking into all aspects of this event, including the park’s safety protocols and the actions of the individual involved.”
The incident has sparked concern among visitors and local residents. “I’ve been coming to Kings Island since I was a kid, and I’ve never heard of anything like this happening,” said Jennifer Taylor, a frequent visitor from Cincinnati. “It’s a stark reminder of how important it is to follow the rules for our own safety.”
The park remained operational, and visitors were being issued heightened awareness and safety reminders. The Banshee ride was initially closed but was reopened on Saturday morning after an inspection by Ohio’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety & Fairs.
No updates on the man’s condition have been released since he was transported to the hospital.
