August 17, 2021. UPDATE February 13 -The ongoing story of Top Thrill Dragster's reimagining is indeed an exciting one and we are pleased to be closely following its progress. [23] An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) determined that half of the bolts securing the plate dislodged. It had been the tallest in the world until 2003 when it was replaced by Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The speed record was again broken in 2010 by Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, which reaches a maximum speed of 149.1mph (240.0km/h). Disneyland To Welcome Back The Original E.P. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Top Thrill Dragster is one of Cedar Point's biggest and most popular rides so we originally assumed that Cedar Point would be keen to get the reimagining completed as soon as possible and the ride open again in 2023. Its records were surpassed in 2005 by Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure. Rachel is fighting for her life, and we would ask for privacy in this difficult time.". Our entire team is hard at work, creating a new formula for thrills. Target of 130-135mph could maybe be feasible. We all saw it fly off: Video shows chaotic moments after woman hurt at Cedar Point. He could not speculate how fast the train was moving when the piece became dislodged but added it was likely at the ride's "maximum" velocity. [24] ODA found there was "insufficient evidence to find the action or inactions of Cedar Point violated any of the laws" and concluded its investigation in February 2022. The bracket which was attached by bolts is supposed to hover just over the trackand a series of sensors that keeps tabs on the coaster as it makes its way at breakneck speed up and over a 420-foot-tall hill in 17 seconds. [15][34][35], Occasionally, a train was launched without sufficient speed to reach the top of the tower and rolled back onto the launch track, hence the term "rollback". SANDUSKY, Ohio (WTVG) - Sandusky Police bodycam video from Cedar Point shows some of the chaotic moments after a woman was hit by a metal object that flew off the roller coaster she was in line to ride. They will do a thorough inspection, looking over every square inch of the ride to find out how and why it occurred.. [15] A fifth car was added to each by midseason. Man Killed by Cedar Point Roller Coaster After He Jumped Fence to Pick Up His Cell Phone: Police In a statement posted on Facebook last Thursday, Cedar Point announced that the Top Thrill. I'm not saying that you should look down on #TopThrillDragster, but I AM saying that you should enjoy another aerial shot.#cedarpoint #rollercoaster pic.twitter.com/NlPcnrwSCV. 2023 www.beaconjournal.com. About 6% of the injuries were reported to be serious, resulting in a fatality or an immediate admission and hospitalization in excess of 24 hours. "We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. [38][39][40] Top Thrill Dragster was the second hydraulically-launched roller coaster from Intamin following Xcelerator at Knott's Berry Farm,[41] and along with Kingda Ka, it is one of two strata coasters ever built. We will keep you updated as work continues on the reimagining of Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point. We all know that the launch will be the biggest change and it is clear from the photos that all track linked to the launch and brake system has been removed in preparation for new LSM launch track. [24] The ODA required that Top Thrill Dragster be closed during the investigation and subsequent re-inspections. "We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. All rights reserved. (Editor's note: A version of this story briefly stated the incorrect size of the object in this incident. It is thought that the old track will be re-used with new LSM launches being put on and retro fitted. Cedar Point officials have only described what hit the woman as a small metal object that became disengaged as the ride was ending a run. [12] In March, Cedar Fair registered a trademark for the name "Top Thrill Dragster". Published: Sep. 6, 2022 at 12:38 PM PDT. Daughter of murdered couple linked to Delphi case reveals paranoia, Serena Williams stepmom's debts continue to spiral amid crumbling home battle, Alex Murdaugh looks unrecognizable in new mugshot hours after sentencing, 'Glaring error' left 'habitual liar' Alex Murdaugh 'boxed in' during trial, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, The Top Thrill Dragster has been permanently closed, A woman waiting in line was hit on the head by a metal bracket. Before the mishap, some 18 million guests rode the ride that sent peoplesome 420 feet in the air at a speed of 120 miles per hour in just four seconds. Those changesincluded hydraulic upgrades, a hydraulic propulsion system upgrade and repairs to black cherry car No. Cedar Point is charged with making daily inspections of its rides. Dragster Accident At Cedar Point: 1 Woman Injured After Being Hit By Metal Object: Report . SANDUSKY, Ohio (WOIO) - Cedar Point is off the hook for a rollercoaster accident last summer that severely injured one person. The injuries were mainly arm abrasions, with one passenger experiencing cuts to the face. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 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[1] It was designed by Intamin, who subcontracted manufacturing to Stakotra Manufacturing. - https://www.youtube.com/c/ThemeParkPredictionsElToroRyan - https://www.youtube.com/c/ElToroRyanCoaster Thrills - https://www.youtube.com/c/CoasterThrillsFrank H. - New Entertainment Pictures - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxYSNV4S6W1loUHaL00Biw East Coasters - https://www.youtube.com/c/EastCoasters From the start, the coaster was plagued by issues that led to its frequent closings as the park grappled with its complicatedhydraulic system. Copyright 2021 WTVG. SANDUSKY, Ohio (Gray News) - One of the world's most famous roller coasters is closing. From 18 world-class roller coasters to three areas filled with rides and attractions for kids and families, plus an 18-acre waterpark with plunging slides and shallow-depth kids areas, you'll quickly find out why Cedar Point is known as The Amazement Park - it's the ultimate family destination for FUN! Top Thrill Dragster fans have been speculating the possibilities over the the last few months of what this reimagining will include and although nothing is still officially confirmed, what we do know for certain is that the hydraulic launch will be replaced by a LSM launch track. Martin predicts that the ride will be permanently closed. Bodycam footage shows the scene at Cedar Point after metal object hits woman at Top Thrill Dragster - YouTube Bodycam footage shows the scene at Cedar Point after metal object hits woman at. Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio, US permanently closed following serious accident, "Cedar Point gives update on future of Top Thrill Dragster: 'New formula of thrills', "New Cedar Point coaster is a top-speed 'Dragster', "How to Build A Giant Quietly? [4] The concrete footings were kept hidden behind a fence when the park opened for the 2002 season. It lost both records to Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in May 2005. [26][27], On September 6, 2022, Cedar Point officials released an update on social media stating, "Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired." It was the fourth roller coaster to exceed 100mph (160km/h), preceded by Tower of Terror II at Dreamworld, Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Dodonpa at Fuji-Q Highland. Hawes was waiting in line to board the roller coaster. All rights reserved (About Us). We will continue to follow the development and progress of the reimagining of Top Thrill Dragster which is slated to open in 2024 here at Theme Park Tourist. Because the incident is still under investigation, the ride remains closed and there is no additional information to share at this time.. AKRON, Ohio It was once the tallest roller coaster in the world. Last August, a 44-year-old Michigan woman was badly hurt when a metal bracket fell off the Top Thrill Dragster rollercoaster and hit her in the back of her head. [6] Vertical construction by Martin & Vleminckx[7] began in the fall season, months before the formal announcement. We are devastated by last weekends accident at Cedar Point," the statement said. It was next scheduled to be inspected in September. There have been other incidents involving the coaster that led to injuries though none as seriousas the latest one. The roller coaster is the second Accelerator Coaster model built by Intamin and one of two strata coasters in existence. Top Thrill Dragster* On July 14, 2004 . They were here within seconds, he said. Adding a Multi-launch system which could then include a roll-back. An actual Top Fuel dragster weighs approximately one ton, while each train on the coaster weighed 15 tons. Facebook. I couldnt find anything. If this was possible and the height could be increased above 418ft then Top Thrill Dragster would take back the record from Kingda Ka of being the tallest stratocoaster in North America. The womans current condition is not known. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. With 87% of people who voted in our recent poll saying they want to see Top Thrill Dragster reopening we are guessing many of our readers will be following the progress of this closely. A hole in the ground where the Top Thrill Dragster queue used to stand. [21], In August 2021, Top Thrill Dragster experienced a "serious accident"[22] in which a guest waiting in line was seriously injured after a small metal piece was dislodged from a train. [8] Officials for the park stated the goal was to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching 420 feet (130m) in height and accelerating up to 120mph (190km/h) in 4 seconds. Cedar Point did not acknowledge the incident and stated the closure was for maintenance reasons. I mean, you know its terrible, I mean, you go to have a good time with your family and then that, said Lucia Fultz. You fix it. A hospital spokesman said she was then transferred to another facility. Top Thrill Dragster. Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio announced on Tuesday it would be permanently closing the Top Thrill Dragster. All rights reserved. We will continue to update you on the progress as it happens on our news and Facebook page. On July 17, 2021, a man climbed to the top of the Supreme Scream tower, prompting the temporary closure of most of the park's attractions and surrounding streets. The accident has left a 44-year-old Michigan woman identified as Rachel Hawes in intensive care with a brain injury . If all their paperwork was in order and it was a freak accident, I dont think anything should happen to them, said Yohe. It said more details about its plans would be disclosed in the future. 4 min read. 419-334-1035. An investigation continues into what caused a piece to come loose from the Top Thrill Dragster and hit a woman standing in line to ride the roller coaster Sunday at Cedar Point. This came after an extended closure that spanned more than one season. [23] The guest was taken to a nearby hospital and was found to have suffered serious injuries. There have been recent rumors that Cedar Point could increase the theming of both the rollercoaster itself and the surrounding area. Read more >> https://bit.ly/3yQzzC9. Reports indicated that a metal cable frayed during launch, shearing off shards of metal that struck the riders. "We arent kidding when we say that this high-octane sprint to the checkered flag knows a thing or twenty about horsepower.". Please help me, she screamed as she was wheeled out of the ride area. Brake run supports remain whilst the rest have been removed and the track for the legendary Top hat track also remains. Top Thrill Dragster is a hydraulically-launched steel roller coaster located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States.