An unidentified woman died on Friday while riding the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Texas.
While no official word as to how the woman died from park officials has been released, witnesses have told media outlets that the woman fell from the ride.
In 1990, the Texas Giant ride opened and was promoted as the tallest wooden roller coaster in the world; however, the wooden tracks were replaced in 2010 during a renovation project with steel but the original wooden support structure was kept and the lift hill was elevated 10 feet, according to the Six Flags website. The Texas Giant reaches 14 stories high and has a drop of 79 degrees and carries up to 24 riders.
Six Flags expressed their sadness over the death and announced via Twitter that they are temporarily closing the ride and the section of the park around the accident site:
We are deeply saddened about a death this evening on the Texas Giant. Our prayers are with the family and friends.
— Six Flags Over Texas (@SixFlagsOverTX) July 20, 2013
Safety is our top priority and that section of the park has been temporarily closed.
— Six Flags Over Texas (@SixFlagsOverTX) July 20, 2013
There’s no word on how long the ride will be closed.
