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March 30, 2022 – 6:16 p.m watch
131 meters of free fall – for many, this adrenaline rush is the highlight of a visit to an amusement park. For a teenager, however, the visit to “Icon Park” in Orlando, Florida ended fatally – the 14-year-old died after falling from the “Orlando Free-Fall”.
Roller coaster crash at US theme park
The teenager was on the Orlando Free-Fall ride at ICON Park when he fell to his death around 11pm Thursday night. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he eventually died from his injuries. Witnesses alerted officials after the tragic incident when the boy flew off the tower attraction. Apparently, a video taken by witnesses showing the fatal fall is also circulating on social media.
Not the first tragic incident in Florida’s Icon Park
Two years ago, a worker died during maintenance work on another attraction in “ICON Park”. A 21-year-old fell about 15 meters to his death.
The “Orlando Free Fall” only opened in December 2021 and claims to be the tallest free-standing drop tower. The ride is 131 meters high and can accommodate up to 30 people. The short ride revolves around a gigantic tower after reaching the highest point in the air. The passengers are then positioned face down before they free fall to the ground at over 100 kilometers per hour.
The investigation must now clarify whether the 14-year-old was not buckled up properly or whether he slipped out of the chassis due to his small size. (kra)