In late July we discussed the fatal amusement park accident at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The tragedy took a woman’s life, and there have been questions about the safety of the roller coaster from which she fell. The investigation into the accident was reportedly carried out by engineers at Six Flags, the manufacturer of the ride and other experts, and the amusement park issued a statement this week claiming that mechanical failure had been ruled out as a cause.
However, just as the park plans to reopen the Texas Giant ride, the family of the deceased woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that Six Flags admitted to doing maintenance on the roller coaster car after the woman fell out of it.
In particular, the family’s lawsuit claims that Six Flags replaced a “limit switch” in the same car involved in the fatal accident. The lawsuit also says that “inconsistencies and intermittent failures” occurred with the Texas Giant security system on the same day the woman fell to her death.
The family seeks a minimum of $1 million in compensation for damages.
Six Flags claims the ride has now been tested extensively and been approved by the Texas Department of Insurance. The company plans to begin operating the coaster again.
Regardless of the safety measures the park may now be taking, the fact remains that a woman lost her life, quite possibly because of another party’s negligence. Texans who have been injured under similar circumstances would do well to apprise themselves of their right to hold the responsible party accountable in civil court.
Source: chron.com, “Family sues Six Flags just as ride reopens after fatal accident,” Carol Christian, Sept. 11, 2013