Changes needed at Idlewild after roller coaster accident that injured toddler

HARRISBURG, Pa. — State regulators are requiring changes at Idlewild and Soak Zone following a roller coaster accident that injured a young boy.

In August of 2016, 3-year-old Declan McLain was injured when he was thrown from the Rollo Coaster, a long-time wooden coaster at the Westmoreland County amusement park. McLain was riding the coaster with his 7-year-old brother at the time of the incident.

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A photo taken shortly after the ride started shows the two boys sitting side-by-side. According to height regulations on the coaster, neither was permitted to ride without an adult.

Investigators cited Idlewild for “operator failure” in the report because ride operators did not notice the boys were sitting together. Witnesses told investigators the children switched seats after getting on the ride. Investigators said operators should have seen them sitting together and stopped the ride.

A video included with the report showed part of the wood frame of the Rollo Coaster was loose. The video shows shaking and the report said that it appeared the bottom of the braces on the coaster had not been recently inspected.

There are a number of changes that must be made before the Rollo Coaster can reopen, including:

• Installing new restraints, like seat belts
• Written verification from an engineer saying the ride can carry loads safely
• The ride's height requirements have to be reevaluated
• The Park has to make changes to its operator training documents

In a statement, Idlewild said that it believes the child’s improper seating was the only thing that caused the accident.

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The statement goes on to say that, “The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspected Idlewild every year and has never required modifications or shutdown of the Rollo Coaster. Idlewild has fully complied with all manufacturers’ guidelines, laws and regulations."

The department's full report can be found

.

Cox Media Group