Top thrill dragster accident – 420ft tall roller coaster closes forever after woman hit in head by metal clamp

The world’s second tallest roller coaster has been closed forever after a woman waiting in line was hit in the head by a metal clamp.

Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio announced on Tuesday that it would be permanently closing the Top Thrill Dragster.

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The decision comes a year after the metal ejected from the 420-foot roller coaster at Sandusky, seriously injuring Rachel Hawes.

The 45-year-old from Swartz Creek, Michigan suffered serious brain injuries after being hit while waiting to board the ride.

Her family said in a statement at the time: “We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this time.

“Rachel is fighting for her life and we ask for privacy at this difficult time.” Her current condition is unknown.

A state investigation found no evidence that the park acted illegally or had reason to believe the ride was unsafe.

But the ride has been closed since the August 15, 2021 accident.

Park officials did not say whether the accident affected their decision to permanently close the roller coaster, which has been in operation for 19 years and has attracted 18 million riders.

In a statement announcing the closure, the park noted that “the legacy of ride innovation lives on.”

They added: “Our team is working hard to create a new and reimagined driving experience.”

More details on his plans would be announced in the future.

Cedar Point Communications Director Tony Clark tweeted, “After 19 seasons in service with 18 million riders having experienced the world’s first Strata Coaster, Top Thrill Dragster as you know it is being retired.”

A description of the ride reads: “Riders are launched on the fly before sprinting straight up a 90-degree incline.

“We’re not kidding when we say this high-octane sprint to the checkered flag knows a thing or twenty about horsepower.”

It was the tallest in the world until 2003, when it was replaced by the Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

This is now considered the tallest in the world at 456 feet.