JACKSON — A woman was hurt Friday night while riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure. The ride was temporarily closed afterward for inspections.

Theme park spokeswoman Kristin Siebeneicher said an object hit a woman in the face while she rode the 19-story El Toro roller coaster. According to Six Flags, the 2006 ride has the steepest drop of any wooden coaster in the world and hits speeds of 70 mph.

Siebeneicher did not know where on the ride the incident happened but said "the ride completed the full cycle and came back to the station." The park medical staff responded immediately, according to Siebeneicher, who said the woman was hospitalized for further evaluation.

"Safety is our highest priority and the ride was closed for a full inspection. The ride was immediately closed for a full inspection. State ride inspectors gave us permission to reopen the ride last night, but we kept it closed to complete another inspection in daylight," Siebeneicher said. "Following this morning's review, our safety and maintenance experts determined that the ride is safe for operation. The ride reopened this morning."

The theme park bans a number of loose items and cameras from its rides in order to avoid injuries and interference with ride operations.

Items such as purses, backpacks, and beverage containers aren't permitted past line entrances. On many rides, cellphones have to be secured in zippered or buttoned pockets or else left in a locker or with someone who isn't riding.

Guests aren't allowed to take video or photos on most rides and selfie sticks are banned entirely from the park.

 

More From 94.3 The Point