More than a dozen injuries have been reported related to a Texas roller coaster that allowed a woman to fall to her death on July 19
State records show that a popular roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas, located near Dallas, had a history of injuries over the past five years with more than a dozen people reporting they were hurt on the ride. On July 19, 2013, Rosa Ayala-Goana fell 75 feet from her third row seat while riding the Texas Giant coaster before striking a metal beam. Ms. Ayala-Goana died of extensive trauma to her torso along with other traumatic injuries. July Incident According to officials, an investigation continues into how Ms. Ayala-Goana fell from her seat while riding the coaster. Witnesses say that the woman was ejected as the coaster began a steep descent down the first hill on the track. In addition, Ms. Ayala-Goana expressed concerns that her safety bar had not completely engaged minutes before 14-story ride began. More Injuries After the accident, state records indicated that more than a dozen people reported injuries over the past five years on the same roller coaster. Most of the injuries were due to jostling during the ride, such as muscle strain, but some reported were potentially serious, such as concussions. Some of the injuries prompted the closing of the ride. Texas Department of Insurance requires an amusement park shut down any ride where an injury requires medical attention. Other Coasters Shut Down Six Flags closed the Texas Giant immediately after the accident and representatives said that the ride would remain closed pending the completion of an investigation. Six Flags also closed a sister coaster, the Iron Rattler, at Six Flags Fiesta Texas near San Antonio, which officials say is a precautionary measure until the completion of the Dallas investigation. Both the Texas Giant and the Iron Rattler are wooden coasters with steel rails. Although amusement park rides are fun, thrilling and exhilarating, when staff makes errors or the ride is faulty, injuries, sometimes serious, can occur. If you or a loved one have been injured on an amusement park ride, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Frenkel & Frenkel, Dallas-Fort Worth attorneys, to schedule a free consultation regarding your amusement park injury to see what rights you may have.
