Cedar Point is retiring the second-tallest coaster in the world after a piece of the ride struck a woman in the head last year. The 420-foot tall Top Thrill Dragster will be reimagined.
The roller coaster has been closed since the accident on 15 August 2021. The guest, who was seriously injured while waiting in line, was hit by a piece of the ride that flew off one of its trains.
Cedar Point did not say if the accident influenced its decision to close the ride, and a state investigation found no evidence that the theme park acted illegally or had reason to believe the attraction was unsafe (via NBC News).
In an update on 6 September, Cedar Point said Top Thrill Dragster is “being retired” after “19 seasons in operation with 18 million riders experiencing the world’s first strata coaster”.
Top Thrill Dragster to remain closed
“However, Cedar Point’s legacy of ride innovation continues,” the park said. “Our team is hard at work, creating a new and reimagined ride experience.”
Earlier this year, Cedar Fair unveiled plans for the 2023 season at several of its properties in the US and Canada. The investments for next year are the theme park operator’s largest ever at approximately $200 million.
At Cedar Point, a new themed area called ‘The Boardwalk’ is launching in 2023. It will feature new new rides, as well as dining and entertainment experiences.
Also opening in 2023 is the new Wild Mouse coaster, a nod to the original ride of the same name. This version will feature cars that spin 360-degrees along 1,312 feet of track.
Images: Cedar Fair
