New Texas Giant to Reopen

The New Texas Giant coaster at Six Flags over Texas will reopen this weekend (September 14-15, 2013) following a July 2013 accident that resulted in the death of one rider.

An investigation after the accident involved multiple entities including Gerstlauer (the ride train manufacturer), internal engineers and external experts who ruled out any mechanical failure of the ride.

Changes to the coaster include the “addition of incremental and overlapping safety measures for the ride, including re-designed restraint-bar pads from the manufacturer and new seat belts.”

The coaster has undergone extensive testing and has received approval from the state of Texas, Department of Insurance, to resume operation.

NTG

“We are heartbroken and will forever feel the pain and sadness of this tragic accident. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Esparza,” said Steve Martindale, park president of Six Flags Over Texas. “The safety of our guests and employees is our company’s absolute highest priority and we try to take every reasonable precaution to eliminate the risk of accidents.”

Six Flags reiterated its safety record, as well as the safety of the amusement industry: “Six Flags has successfully operated regional theme parks for 52 years and takes great pride in the quality of its safety record, ride maintenance and employee training, safely delivering approximately 200 million rides each year. According to data gathered by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the industry safely provides approximately 1.7 billion rides annually in the United States and the likelihood of a person being seriously injured on a permanently-located amusement park ride is extremely remote.”

Read the official update from Six Flags over Texas here.

Will you ride New Texas Giant once it reopens? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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