Water Ride Accident: Animation Shows How It Happened

A water ride accident injured seven riders at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. An animation, created by a group of Taiwanese artists, provides a visual explanation of how the accident happened.

The popular log flume water ride, Shoot the Rapids, malfunctioned on Friday. The boat, which was carrying seven passengers up an 85-foot hill, suddenly fell backward down the slope.

The boat flipped upside down at the bottom, dumping passengers into the water. The passengers were rescued by other park visitors and Cedar Point staff.

As reported by NewsOxy.com, six of the passengers were treated and released on scene. A seventh passenger required treatment at a local hospital, but was later released.

Cedar Point officials are currently investigating the water ride accident. The ride, which opened in 2010, will remain closed until the investigation is complete and the ride is deemed safe.

In 2012, Cedar Point was voted the Best Amusement Park in the World for the fifteenth year in a row. While accidents are rare at Cedar Point, they do occur.

As reported by Coaster Force, in 2011 seven people were injured on the now disassembled Wildcat coaster. The collision of two cars at the station caused the passengers minor injuries.

In May 2008, nine passengers were injured in a similar incident on the same ride.

In July 2004, four passengers received minor injuries on the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster when a cable snapped.

A few accidents over a period of 10 years are unlikely to deter the millions of guests that visit Cedar Point every year. The latest water ride accident is frightening. However, nobody was seriously injured.

Fast response to the situation, by park guests and staff, assured that the accident did not turn into a tragedy.

While the water ride accident remains under investigation, the animation provides a good demonstration of how the accident occurred.

[Image via Wikimedia]