Six Flags has seen a rash of accidents over the decades despite increased attendance in 2017 and a record four percent revenue growth at the end of the second quarter. They further testified that their pleas for safety precautions had been rejected by management as too expensive. Making routine repairs, and especially making repairs to malfunctioning machinery, can also pose a serious threat. Smith speaks of an "emotionally disturbed" youth with a history of setting fires who "kept playing with a lighter in his pocket" and resembled the boy that was said to have started the fire. Count Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf Man and Lizzie Borden were frequent guest stars. He said the older youth, who appeared to be familiar with the castle, offered to guide him through. The defendants denied any culpability, and contended that the fire was arson and that no amount of precautions would have saved lives. [41], Smith also says that diagrams[4] of the castle and its exits used in the trial were inaccurate, and did not show a metal fence erected to protect actors from hostile guests, something that would have made escape more difficult, and was found at the scene. However, we rarely hear about the park’s employees and ride operators getting hurt. Without advice from an experienced amusement park injury attorney, you may be at risk for settling your case for less than you deserve. The prosecution called as witnesses fire-prevention consultants who had inspected the castle, and who had recommended the installation of sprinklers or smoke alarms. Interviewed after the trial, the jury foreman blamed Jackson Township officials for repeatedly allowing the castle to slip through cracks in the fire code. [8] The cause of death for all was determined to be smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. A second juror disagreed, saying that township officials were not derelict. Unfortunately, due to several deaths and severe injuries that have occurred at amusement parks this summer, many of us are probably beginning to feel a little more concerned about our safety while visiting these attractions. Six Flags Great Adventure is a world-famous amusement park located in Jackson, New Jersey. She originally thought it was part of the show but realized the flames were real after smelling smoke. Under cross-examination by the defense, the boy denied starting the fire himself. The interiors were built of plywood walls and ceilings with wooden studs for support. The accident happened just after 6:30 p.m. Friday at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. [23], Park officials testified that smoke alarms had been installed, but the park was unable to control vandalism to them and decided not to reinstall them after 1979. Safety at Six Flags Amusement Parks. [14], The fire spotlighted a complex collection of local, state and federal laws.
The boy told the police that he had been befriended by a fourteen-year-old boy at the castle's entrance. (CNN) A 10-year-old who lost consciousness on a Six Flags roller coaster in Southern California has died. However, it has probably not occurred to us that even the workers at these parks are at serious risk for injury as well.
If you have been injured attending or working at a theme park, it is essential to seek legal help.
He also may have been in an unauthorized riding position. If you or a loved one have been injured at a theme park, whether as a patron or employee, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney.