A routine day at Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, turned into a harrowing experience for a young girl and a local couple. Chris and Cassie Evans, who are season ticket holders at the park, recounted how they intervened to keep a girl secure on the Mamba roller coaster after her seat belt allegedly came undone mid-ride on October 11.
The incident, which occurred on the park's tallest ride, prompted immediate action from the couple and led to the temporary shutdown of the Mamba for safety inspections and modifications.
Key Takeaways
- A girl's seat belt allegedly failed on the Mamba roller coaster at Worlds of Fun.
- Chris and Cassie Evans helped hold the girl in her seat during the high-speed ride.
- The Mamba is the park's tallest ride, featuring a 205-foot drop and speeds of 75 mph.
- Worlds of Fun temporarily shut down the ride for inspection and implemented modifications requested by the Fire Marshall.
- The Evans couple stated they would not return to the park until they see further changes.
A Terrifying Scream on the Mamba
Chris and Cassie Evans were enjoying a ride on the Mamba, a roller coaster they know well, when they heard a distressing sound from behind them. Chris described it as a "blood-curdling scream" shortly after the ride began its ascent on the first hill.
He initially thought the girl was simply reacting to the thrill of the ride. However, her subsequent words revealed a much more serious situation: "She said her seat belt came undone."
Mamba Roller Coaster Facts
- Height: 205 feet (initial drop)
- Speed: 75 miles per hour
- Type: Hypercoaster
- Restraint System: Multi-layered, including a lap bar and seat belt
Immediate Action Taken by Couple
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Chris and Cassie Evans reacted quickly. Chris explained how he looped his arm under the girl's lap bar, which had a noticeable gap, and held onto her wrist. Meanwhile, Cassie pushed down on the girl's legs to help keep her secure.
The Mamba roller coaster is known for its intense drops and airtime hills, which can lift riders out of their seats. The couple worked together to counteract these forces, ensuring the girl remained safely in place.
"I had looped my arm underneath her lap bar, which had a pretty big gap between her and the lap bar. So at this point, I’m seeing a huge space, no seat belt. I looped my arm underneath the lap bar, and I grabbed a hold of her wrist. My wife was pushing down on her legs."
Worlds of Fun History
Worlds of Fun, located in Kansas City, Missouri, has been a popular amusement park since its opening in 1973. It is known for its diverse range of rides, including several large roller coasters. The park emphasizes guest safety as a primary concern, regularly conducting inspections and maintenance.
The Ride Continues: A Fight Against Gravity
As the Mamba continued its course, reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour and experiencing a 205-foot initial drop, the couple remained vigilant. Chris described how they adapted their strategy as the ride crested each hill.
He shifted his position from holding the girl to actively pushing down on her whole body. This was crucial to prevent her from being lifted out of her seat during moments of airtime.
The experience was deeply unsettling for Cassie, a mother of four. She later described the incident as "terrifying," recalling the girl's scream with emotional intensity.
Post-Incident Response and Park Statement
Once the ride concluded, Chris and Cassie Evans immediately reported the incident to the park's management. Worlds of Fun responded by shutting down the Mamba roller coaster. The park spokesperson confirmed the ride was temporarily closed for a "thorough inspection."
Following the initial inspection, the Mamba reopened later the same day. However, further safety measures were implemented. On October 30, the ride underwent a comprehensive safety review. Modifications requested by the Fire Marshall were put in place to ensure the ride met or exceeded all applicable safety standards before reopening to guests that evening.
Worlds of Fun stated that the Mamba has a multi-layered restraint system and reiterated that guest and team member safety remains their "top priority."
Hesitation to Return to the Park
Despite the park's assurances and the implemented modifications, the experience left a lasting impact on Chris and Cassie Evans. They have not had contact with the girl they helped, as they were separated after reporting the incident.
Cassie expressed her reluctance to return to Worlds of Fun in the near future. She stated that she and Chris need to see a "change" before they would feel comfortable taking their own four children back to the park.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ride safety and the quick thinking of individuals in unexpected situations.
