How does someone fall from a rollercoaster?

[Sarahfromtheblock]

Another tragic fall by a child, age 6 or 7 (papers differ) from a rollercoaster in Lightwater Valley. I have never been and never been on any roller coaster.

Are these children too small and the seatbelts or whatever they have not fitting them correctly? Does the machinery beak down? How does it happen?

Omg IHeartKingThistle That sounds awful!

We went on ripsaw falls a few weeks ago and it had proper restraints but was still terrifying. It’s a much bigger drop than I expected and my 7 year old DS had the shock of his life.

@DanielSpaniel it was horrible - can't believe they ever let that ride run without restraints really!

CurlyhairedAssasin

I had a very similar experience on the pirate ship ride at Chessington.
DS was I think 6 at the time but a fairly solid boy and met the height restriction required to go on the ride. We also had DS who was 8 but a slimmer build.
Luckily both DH and I went on the ride with the boys and were each sitting next to a child [DH normally dislikes any sort of ride and it is usually just me that accompanies the children].
We all started off lighthearted and enjoying ourselves but it turned into utter terror. I was next to DS6 and he was starting to slip under the bar as the pirate ship went higher and higher, he also couldn't hold himself up by his feet. I was holding onto him for dear life.
I could see that DH was also holding onto DS8 and he was also slipping.
Both boys were terrified and screaming. DH and I were trying to stay calm and telling them to hold on to us and close their eyes, that the ride was not much longer now....
Finally got off and we all looked white, legs like jelly. I wish I had complained to centre management but didn't...
I hope the poor boy who fell out of the rollercoaster is okay and recovering. His poor, poor parents
It seems to be that all theme parks require serious safety review. There have been too many tragic and occasionally even fatal accidents on what should be a safe and fun day out.

IHeartKing I remember ripsaw falls pre-restraints and it was terrifying! I never felt safe in it.

Am also old enough to remember ToT with only the row long bar so can also confirm to those doubters that changes have been made.