Witnesses describe scene at Cedar Point following Top Thrill Dragster incident

After a horrific accident at Cedar Point Sunday afternoon, several eyewitnesses are coming forward to recount the tragic incident in which a "small metal object" fell from the Top Thrill Dragster onto a female park guest.
3News spoke with several guests who were at the Sandusky amusement park on Sunday and present when the incident took place, including David Vallo, who identified himself as a Registered Nurse.
"There was a lot of commotion. A lot of people started screaming and hopping the gates and running towards the exit and everybody just started yelling this woman’s hurt this woman’s hurt this woman’s hurt," Vallo told 3News' Marisa Saenz. "Everybody’s running and so I went the other direction to try and find her. You know, I’ve been an ER nurse for a long time.”
Vallo said he and other guests immediately sprang into action, assisting the still unidentified "female guest" who had been hit, telling 3News that the group used limited resources to triage her injuries.
“I got on the ground with her and just did everything I could until Sandusky EMS arrived," the man told Saenz. “There was only so much we can do with people’s clothing and stuff like that to you know keep her calm and keep her safe and try and control the situation.”
Vallo also said that both Cedar Point EMS and Sandusky EMS officials arrived quickly, and even helped to get he and other guests cleaned up after the incident. Even after the injured guest had left the park, Vallo says he couldn't quite process all that had happened, and that it still is with him today.
READ MORE: www.wkyc.com/article/entertai...

[@donnier6290]

Wow I went on this the day before this happened. Crazy to think about. Hope she's okay.

[@VaehsMind]

Same ha ha Instagram?

[@jenna4364]

Me too

[@donnapevey4672]

UPDATE; Statement from Rachel Hawes family: “We are devastated by last weekend’s accident at Cedar Point. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. Rachel is fighting for her life, and we would ask for privacy in this difficult time”. Rachel remains in the hospital in ICU, in critical condition with a brain injury.

[@hueylongadmirer1829]

Latest reports indicate this was a brake fin that fell off at a horizontal angle. So we can now rule out a GoPro or other loose object that fell off a ride on the Top Hat portion of the ride?

[@NickyD]

if thats the case then the train just hit at the right spot and send it flying it was never a phone park even said it was from a part on the train

[@NickyD]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ima4iGODrp6qfpI

[@noahb2804]

it wasn't a brake fin

[@christopherrzepa4465]

I was one of the people evacuated from the train preceding the train that was involved in the incident. Although I have not witnessed the projectile nor the victim I’m adamant that it was a GoPro; and here is why. My fiancée was adjacent to the bleachers ready to record our train before the incident unfolded. She, along with several other bystanders noticed an individual on the train in front of mine pull out a GoPro attached to a small selfie stick. After that train had completed its cycle, my train was set to launch.-this is a critical piece of information because it suggests that the system’s sensors had not detected any malfunction of the ride. If the projectile were a magnetic brake fin, a bolt, or any piece of the rollercoaster, it would have triggered a sensor. (Intamin rollercoasters are notorious for sensitive sensors) The operator had to manually engage the dead-switch to shut off the ride, which had happened only after the crowd became frantic. Every testimony I have read suggests that the projectile had struck the women at a point while the train was returning to the station. Moreover, witness testimonies suggest that the projectile was “disc shaped” in nature, which could have been replicated by a GoPro attached to a miniature selfie-stick traveling with a large angular momentum. Witnesses also reported hearing multiple “shrapnels” ricochet from the switchbacks; which could have been replicated by the GoPro disintegrating upon impact with the woman. However I would have expected these shrapnels to have been recovered from the scene.-or any metallic piece for that matter. Thus far we have only a single bolt of unknown dimensions or mass or purpose. Edit: I was wrong, the projectile was a metal bracket, which was part of the ride. Not a GoPro!

[@noahb2804]

@@christopherrzepa4465 i’m so glad you explained this. it makes perfect sense too. If a big metal part of the train fell off and hit her, i’m pretty sure people in line would’ve found the projectile. did anyone find or see the Gopro in the line after it hit her?

[@stevenbrooks8983]

I hope she is okay. I am going to Cedar Point in a week, looks like the Dragster will be closed for awhile :(

[@deftones.affair]

I was there a day before this happened I am very thankful I got to go on it with no problems. I’m sending her and her family prayers.

[@philliesfan_]

@@deftones.affair I went on it an hour before it happened

[@deftones.affair]

@@philliesfan_ wow thank god your okay!

[@philliesfan_]

@@deftones.affair ya I could’ve been on on it…at least no one else on the actual ride got hurt

[@strunale2647]

im literally going tmr

[@Bonkerz01]

Update: It was an L shape flag plate, it lets the ride operating system know that the train passed through a particular portion of the track Still no word on the woman's condition.

[@Ligma_Haynus]

Wishes go out to the women, I am sure Cedar Point will get the best for the women and have the charges covered as well!

[@bonymontana7100]

I hope it’s more than just the charges lol are you serious

[@Ligma_Haynus]

@@bonymontana7100 Well I was putting this as the very least, my comment doesn't determine what Cedar Point is going to do. I could have said nothing, and so why do you criticize? Did you say anything other than telling me I got it all wrong?

[@coastercosmo6154]

@@bonymontana7100 i mean she didnt die or get life changing- forever damages to her brain or anything that i know of what else would they do, shut the park down?

[@xDougg]

Having the charges covered isn’t shit. Lol. Imagine if her “brain injury” affects her mental state or competence. No amount of money can make up for lost brain power lol.

[@donnapevey4672]

@@coastercosmo6154 She is still in ICU with a brain injury.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

I hope she’s okay. And I hope they don’t tear the Dragster down.

[@pinkfreud62]

They won't. It'll be closed for inspections and evaluation and it will open again, I'm sure. Other rides through out the years have had accidents, but they're still running today. Guess we'll see.

[@adamc3811]

Well she isnt ok. She had a piece of metal stuck in her fucking skull. OK isnt what she is going to be!

[@davidmcaninch4714]

@@adamc3811 I meant I hope she’ll recover. I just don’t want the Dragster tore down because of this.

[@markabro7476]

@@adamc3811 calm down

[@caden6670]

@@adamc3811 Calm down, he clearly mesnt that he hoped the woman recovers all right.

[@pokikato]

Everyone: I HOPE THEIR OK Me: *sees the person say hello to the news* Also me: what a fucking ledgend

[@Twigpawzies]

The lady pelted w/ the metal is in the ICU fighting for her life, I assure you she didn’t do anything intentionally, she’s completely unresponsive w/ a TBI.

[@TMcConnaughhay]

you also, can't spell and have a filthy mouth!

[@chasefarrell2687]

I refused to ride top thrill dragster one of the scary roller coasters at cedar point which will become passive in the summer of next year

[@corybourrier9722]

Hope she’s OK!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Been a week. No update on her condition. It is like nobody really cares about her. They don't even know her name.

[@DARK_AMBIGUOUS]

Why does the department of agriculture inspect theme park rides?

[@cryptictriscuit207]

0:15 bruh 💀

[@chrisaranda8910]

Was that the same anchor from espn??

[@ericb790]

Yes. He was one of the many on-air talents the company got rid of in 2017.

[@chrisaranda8910]

@@ericb790 thanks. He looked so familiar and it's a shame, he was a good morning anchor

[@chrisaranda8910]

..well he still is a good anchor..lol

[@Son-Of-David1990]

Shouldn't tear it down. Just change where ppl stand in line at and not have them literally in the middle of the coaster where anything can hit them if something should go wrong.

[@CrazyNerd-dj2jz]

What the hell is going on it’s like their is a 2021 coaster curse first skyrush’s lift cable snaps and then el Toro derails . And now we have too thrill dragster sending a person too the hospital . What next I’m just waiting. If another coaster incident happens I’m gonna comment I’m keeping track as of now

[@spuzzgekma]

Many speculate that it’s because of low staffing after COVID wrecked the amusement industry

[@taylerjones2986]

Also keep in mind roller coasters break down after years of operation. I believe this ride has been in operation since 04. It's 2021 that's a long time of operating. That's 17 years this ride has been going on. Eventually you have to stop and and start maintaining older rides. Not only that Top Thrill Dragster is very intense machine when operating correctly. Look at the behind the scenes on how this ride has to run. Very complex.

[@CoasterZone]

These rides are made by a company called Intamin with there problematic rides there probably gonna get sued and go defunct

[@samstockton5223]

gatekeeper too

[@alecvip7562]

@@CoasterZone they'll never go defunct in a million years.

[@leafertYT]

0:13 something unrelated but that guy was waving in the car

[@AmazingElevatorsandClaws]

Lol

[@RoboticNerd]

I was there when it happened. I was looking for my car and heard / saw an ambulance. My sister was in the park and yelled at people to get out of the way of the paramedics lol

[@RoboticNerd]

@The Council Nope. I couldn't find the car (my phone was in it...). I had to use the phone in the lost and found. Luckily I had my contacts on my smartwatch lol

[@tyler7146]

Great story

[@RoboticNerd]

@@tyler7146 Thanks, my kneegah

[@markt8958]

@Robotic Nerd Why would you put LOL at the end of your comment? This isn't funny dude that woman is In bad condition what happens if that was one of you're family members or even you who got hit by a piece of metal? I wouldn't be laughing.

[@RoboticNerd]

@@markt8958 Dude :/ I was laughing because of the fact she had to yell at people to move. Don't try to make me look bad just because you don't understand the context

[@missrandomautty]

That poor woman.

[@Scradye]

I rode the dragster once this season. Might be my last time lol.

[@nathanwillow1997]

Yep. Cedar Point just announced that dragster is now permanently closed.

[@Scradye]

They did?

[@thebluepineapple684]

@@nathanwillow1997 But wait, there's more..

[@LeastSlutty]

Is that Jay Crawford? Wow.

[@solomon6693]

My uncle was there when it happened and he thought the running was just people running to the next ride. Yeah I just say that

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I have been there, (and rode that ride), and that does happen. I hope that is why they were running, because the other "reason" shows they have none, (no ability to "reason"), and that is a huge problem in our society today.

[@mattheishman170]

I've been working carnivals for 20 yrs not amusement parks. I always watch these videos about accidents and read the comments. When an accident happens at a carnival majority of comments state how dangerous carnival rides are cause we set them up and take them down and constantly move them. And people hilariously think that carnival rides should be banned. I don't see any comment stating this about this video cause its an amusement park. Fact is carnivals have an much higher safety rating than amusement parks cause carnival rides are inspected daily and amusement parks are only inspected twice a yr.

[@ryanthemepark]

Theme park rides are inspected everyday by the parks as well as annual/semi-annual State inspections. Carnival Rides are inspected by the State each time they set up and daily by the carnival operators. The narrative you are trying to put out there saying that theme park rides are only inspected 2 times per year is false.

[@mattheishman170]

@@ryanthemepark You are incorrect. I know for absolute fact that amusement park rides aren't inspected 100% daily like carnival rides. The much higher safety rating that carnival rides do have reflect this.

[@angrytwxgaming8423]

@@mattheishman170 yet as temporary rides they have a much higher chance of something going wrong as well. Just saying. You're acting as if theme park rides are death traps.

[@mattheishman170]

@@angrytwxgaming8423 Fact is that carnival operators know the ride so well. And inspect them alot more. We know when something is wrong or missing immediately

[@angrytwxgaming8423]

@@mattheishman170 you act like these rides don't have dedicated maintenance teams that know all there is to know about the rides safety. You act like this was 100% in their hands. You act as someone whose never operated heavy machinery in their lives. Every day I do. And every day, it's mandated that before we hop on any machine to inspect every inch of it. And yknow what still happens? Shit breaks. The fact that shit doesn't break 10x more often on these roller coasters is amazing to me. You compare an itsy bitsy carnival ride to something capable of launching a huge Train 120mph and up 420 feat and capable of stopping it on the way down. The amount of stress the track goes through with each launch alone is more than your ride does in an entire operating season. Terrible comparison, terrible point.

[@missrandomautty]

Such a shame that poor woman

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Why was, (according to the male nurse), everybody running after a gal got hurt? We are now a hysterical citizenry.

[@justheather9713]

They may have thought more parts were gonna fall off

[@justheather9713]

This was for earthsurferusa

[@reminiscer15]

My only guess is depending on how it sounded, perhaps people thought it was gunfire. I would imagine a projectile flying off a train will make lots of loud noises since it most likely didn't just hit the woman, better to be safe than sorry.

[@ClonicTonic]

Maybe didnt want their kids to see how brutal it was…. Tallest fastedt ride, L shaped (sharp corners) metal piece hits her in the head, no one knows her condition (conveniently). Do the math

[@J3OQ]

Damn I was there

[@topi2209]

if this happened when i was in the park i would just run and yell in panic put of the parn

[@bigred3336]

Back in 2005 I was on that ride while other passengers had pieces of wire hit them in the face...that ride needs to be shut down!...cedar point is ran by greed...I have not been there sinse

[@TheCeraization]

Okay, so why didn’t that make the news then?

[@darealistmynizzle3421]

@@TheCeraization because he lying !!

[@plnunn]

That's some lazy journalism around the one minute mark to just show clips of other random rollercoasters that aren't the one featured in the story. Are they even in the same theme park? C'mon WKYC, at least put a little effort into your story, you showed clips of several other rollercoasters that had nothing to do with this accident. Do better.

[@VintageSucculent]

I hope they tear this freaking ride down, it’s already had so many problems and now they almost caused someone to die. Smh 😐🤚 may she recover ❤️

[@schloofers]

There's no way in hell they'd tear down a record breaking ride, But they are closing it for the rest of the year due to the accident.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

I really don’t want them to as tearing Dragster down would be equivalent to bulldozing the Statue of Liberty. Wicked Twister is the coaster that’s leaving. As much I want Dragster to somehow get a complete overhaul, the cost and idea of that makes me unsure. 🥺

[@BoomerangVillage]

She's 44 years old.

[@cxair9025]

it happend on my b day :(

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Happy birthday,--but relax. You had nothing to do with this.

[@cxair9025]

@@EarthSurferUSA ty but i I feel so bad for the lady

[@jamescorsey6041]

Nah glad I don't go on coasters no more but I hope shes ok

[@jadenmayo1422]

Well if she’s okay than she’s got some dough that’s for sure 🙏

[@avarebeccasawyer8299]

Oh yes. She'll be a rich woman if she makes it

[@jeff2theleft628]

She will most likely be scared for life? Y’all think it’s worth it??

[@justheather9713]

True but she has a bad brain injury. Her family would benefit from the money, she may be too disabled to know anything about it

[@melodiechartier5173]

@@justheather9713 no, it's not for the family but for her to benefit.

[@marcuswilliams5255]

She will have brain damage so that money is not worth it at all

[@richardcoreno]

The verbiage from the park is absolutely tinny -- obviously penned by a legal team to make it sound as if the victim was struck by a fluttering paper wrapper.

[@hueylongadmirer1829]

Not surprising considering the Public Relations director is a former TV news reporter who once worked at Channel 8's sister station (weird but true fact).

[@RayDLX]

Thats because the media blows every amusement park incident out of proportion with misleading titles. Ive read the woman died instantly and that the ride was falling apart. Even in this article is describes a past incident as "guests pelted with metal" which is not even what happened.

[@NickyD]

@@RayDLX dude this was no minor accident this was something waiting to happen this ride has had two previuos accidents and something flew off the same ride in 2017 and hurt someone this women is also in grave condition it was a metel debris that hit her in the back of the head and metel hit to guests in 2017 and 2004 a cale snapped with riders sending metel into the trains in 2004 this ride is in bad shape always down for something

[@EvolutionMusicOfficial]

I work at cedar point and no one from my department knows much of anything about the situation , no one is talking about it.

[@RayDLX]

@@NickyD I worked this ride in 2019. It's always down because the rides safety systems detect something that maintenance needs to look at, it's a good thing. And the other two accidents on this ride did not severely hurt anyone, just some scrapes and bruises. Over 20 million people have rode this ride and of the 20 million about 5 or so have been hurt with most of the 5 besides this being nothing but cuts and bruises. Trust me, the ride is not a danger.

[@inthelaunch9319]

Ok just saying it probably was a guest item and until it’s confirmed what that item was then I’m sticking with that, and just so you no the launch cable snapping isn’t surprising. Nothing is perfect it literally happened the same year to Gatekeeper

[@ppipowerclass]

Nope.

[@inthelaunch9319]

And never mind dragster down 2021 season and I feel like this is the indicator for a piece of a train

[@mikelaw5965]

Till it happens to your kid. F off dude

[@thebluepineapple684]

It was a flag plate

[@inthelaunch9319]

@@thebluepineapple684 you’re kind of late

[@johnsmith-un2mx]

osha will cover that whole ride with plastic shields now,and safety it right out of operation.

[@Sasskitten]

Well, first they have to determine if it was a part of the ride or someone being a dummy and bringing an item on that they did not secure very well.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

OSHA performs a vital role in helping to protect people in work and daily activities. So just stop making stupid comments minimizing the importance of protecting the public.

[@poopyguy1281]

First El Toro, then Skyrush, now Top Thrill Dragster, I wonder what will be next?

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

What do those rides have an common......

[@EarthSurferUSA]

With our education system today,---any elevator near you.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

It’s like an Intamin coaster curse.

[@dankieran5936]

@@JJJJ-he8bz Poor maintenance

[@AlmostEpic530]

My 6 year old neighbor way there

[@Temptazer]

a 6 year old own the house??

[@AlmostEpic530]

@@Temptazerno she withg her family

[@armandofernandez8257]

Oh my God how long is the News Media going to talk about this? When we go to places like this or anywhere else for that matter,accidents do happen I feel for the poor Lady but accidents do happen let's keep this woman in prayer and her family and the rest is history just drop it please,the News they know how to milk a story and when this poor woman is able to talk they'll be there bugging the crap out of her next,this people are leashes

[@jerryinohio1978]

From the Facebook hens, she passed away.

[@justheather9713]

No, she’s still alive

[@cherwi3264]

You guys sure are milking this!

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

Yeah idk man. A ride part braking off and almost killing a woman at the biggest coaster park in the world is a pretty big deal…

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@Chad Meckstroth horrible

[@RobChapala]

We need you back in sports, Jay.

[@snuffg5872]

Thought I has seen him before

[@rocketraccoon2296]

I'll gladly get hurt for a juicy amount of money.

[@odellsodyssey8680]

Unless it’s a brain injury.🤕

[@ameliavandergraft1187]

@@odellsodyssey8680 yeah, you dont want that. i had a really bad concussion a few years ago and it was horrible. i can only imagine...

[@yvonneanderson912]

Not a head trauma.

[@bigmac2941]

I got a lot of money from a car wreck. I'm in extreme pain and discomfort. I'd give all the money back in a heartbeat if I could be out of pain.

[@avarebeccasawyer8299]

Thats what I was gonna say!

[@frenchonion4595]

I was just reading about cedar point accidents just the other day then this happens i shit you not lol

[@buckeye987]

It was a wheel.

[@aestheticfoxybear2823]

I was their when it happened

[@joshijoshi3193]

Than tell me What was the reason behind this incident..

[@loser4778]

@@joshijoshi3193 I was there as well, up closer to the ride w my friend. Everyone’s stories are different. What I’ve heard was that a small piece of metal came off the ride and got her in the back of the head. I didn’t see much bcuz there were ppl crowded around her as a barrier, but did have to walk past her to get out of the line. I’ve been rly curious as to what truly happened as there r no conclusive statements

[@cherwi3264]

@@loser4778 adult or kid?

[@waddles6139]

@@cherwi3264 I was there too it was an adult

[@waddles6139]

I wasn’t at top thrill I was at back of the park but one of my friends saw the stretcher she was on getting removed from the ride and said she was shaking in the stretcher

[@johnsmith-un2mx]

girl, you gonna make a payday now.....sue!!

[@_stafford]

it was a freak accident even if she sues she won't win this is a 1 in a million moment plus she chose to ride it

[@avarebeccasawyer8299]

Yeah she's never going to hurt for anything again.

[@pebbs2864]

Dang how many alts do you use dude repeating the same thing lol

[@easterbunnys3542]

I think she was faking. She was screaming TOO MUCH. Chris Bassitt didnt scream at all.

[@dalist4631]

IT WENT INTO HER HEAD like she couldve died AND YOUR TELLING ME SHE WAS SCREAMING TOO MUCH?

[@dalist4631]

Dont be dumb😂

[@stephaniemunguia7942]

You would probably be screaming too if you had an open skull fracture. If the blow didn't knock you unconscious.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

What would you think of your judgment if you are wrong?

[@justheather9713]

You’re sick…. Then again you might be wanting attention

[@ari-tw5vx]

Body cam footage shows a guy saying it was as big as his palm or bigger, could not find object anywhere… seems like some kind of cover up, considering the fact the ems people did not have the right equipment to treat injury

[@cherwi3264]

What equipment?

[@noahb2804]

yeah because cedar point would want this to happen...

[@bgreen1007]

@@cherwi3264 the body cam video the guy clearly says "we don't have the equipment they are asking for" 😩 (warning the video doesn't show injury but you can hear the woman's screams and it's traumatizing) so sad I hope she makes it and I hope CP pays her and her family lots of money.

[@cherwi3264]

They always should have a C-collar.

[@emme4438]

@UCPwZqzNgg1K0frPRF1yiTvw he's talking about the IV supplies and I watched the video and was staring right at it. That's what happens when you let cops help on scene. Fucking morons

[@avarebeccasawyer8299]

I have ridden this ride before but once was enough. There's been so many incidents with it over the years, how long are they going to let this go on until somebody gets killed instead of injured?! It's always down for something it seems, so why not just tear it down and put something better up in its place. 🤦 SMH

[@J.Braxton]

Dislike

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Pretty simple ride really. One boost of acceleration before you go vertical, and the rest is coasting with only one turn and 2 twists. Do you know what the real problem is. We have a terrible education system, and we just don't do things as well as we used to. (which makes us demand a baby sitter who has no clue either). We can't even fix what we built. Quick,--what is the cube root of 64? Sue your schools. Oh, like a state regulator, (who takes responsibility by force),---you can't.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

Tearing Dragster down would be the equivalent of tearing down the Statue of Liberty. It’s an icon of Cedar Point. But I wish there is a way the coaster can get overhauled if possible. If nothing can save this ride….this legendary coaster will face the fate of Volcano the Blast Coaster…😔

[@loveLeeAnne99]

The people running is effing ridiculous. That's not how you act in a crisis! Don't be that person! This girl will be rich, she's gonna sue the hell out of Cedar point AND win probably at least 2 million bucks.

[@TheRealSocks]

Down in Ohio swag like Ohio

[@piktureit]

Not funny.

[@usware5240]

Hello, I’m representing Cedar Fair legally. There is no need to inquire further. We thank you for your concern but can assure you all legal measures have been taken and there is no need to inquire further about the status of the victim. We at Cedar Fair appreciate your continued financial support and we are always looking out for your annual trust in our desire to keep you safe enough to keep coming back each year. God bless.

[@xaxylia]

This couldn't be any more obvious as fake lmfao.

[@usware5240]

@@xaxylia good eye. now apply that skill to all religious texts and you're golden.

[@CG_86]

This should be the ride being taken down instead of Wicked Twister.

[@brennenimus1252]

hell nooo

[@Temptazer]

if they took down dragster i would cry

[@CG_86]

@@Temptazer Mine as well it has too many issues and it's barely running.

[@catofwisdom3837]

this is too large to remove, and it would cost too much to remove, and it’s too iconic. Public outcry would be insane, plus wicked twister kinda sucks

[@CG_86]

@@catofwisdom3837 It's not too big to move. It would come down in sections just like it went up in sections. It's broke down all the time anyways. It's just a waste of space most the time. Even cedar points CEO stated he regrets the decision to get it. It's too costly and it nearly costed somebody their life.

[@chad9166]

Classic case of hysterical shrieking woman who probably couldn't even feel pain after the incident. Just making the situation worse.

[@ariaxrose1]

You really judging a woman who probably had brain damage due to a large metal piece hitting her at top speed

[@chad9166]

@@ariaxrose1 yes

[@Antherite_loves_msm]

0:12 lol and also you may rest in peace the poor Michigan women💔🩵💙