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Son of Beast’s opening in question at Kings Island

Staff photo Kings Island officials have not made a decision if the Son of Beast roller coaster will open on opening day in April.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 3:09 PM Wednesday, March 17, 2010

MASON — It’s unlikely the Son of Beast will open at Kings Island's opening day in April, but it could open sometime in 2010, park officials said.

The world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster has caused trouble for the amusement park since it opened in 2000 and has cost nearly $30 million for construction and subsequent repairs, according to Kings Island vice president and general manager Greg Scheid.

On June 23, 2009, the coaster was abruptly shut down for the year after a 39-year-old Mason woman reported she had a burst blood vessel in her brain as a result of riding the coaster.

Scheid said he’s not ready to give up on the major investment just yet. Structurally, he said the ride is sound and could be cleared to open on April 17, but he is not pleased with the thrill ride’s performance.

“I would say it’s highly questionable, but a lot can happen within a month. We’re getting tight on time,” Scheid said.

Since the roller coaster opened, six incidents involving injury have been reported. After each incident, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees all amusement park rides in the state, has inspected the ride and cleared it for reopening.

Scheid said he has asked three engineering firms to submit proposals for a long-term fix. One firm’s proposal was unsatisfactory he said, and he is waiting for the others.

Last fall, a forensic engineer provided video testimony in a civil lawsuit that Kings Island was “negligent” and “put passengers at risk” by using a Bandaid approach to fixing the ride.

Jennifer Wright of Defiance sued park owners Cedar Fair after she and 26 others were injured on the ride July 7, 2006.

The jury awarded Wright $76,364 in compensatory damages, and then park officials struck an undisclosed settlement with Wright on punitive damages, before the jury could hear the engineer’s testimony.

Kings Island officials said at the time they would decide the ride’s future during the off-season. Scheid said the park hasn’t talked about tearing down the ride.

“It’s more of a how do we make it right,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.

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