TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The June 14 roller coaster accident at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk could have been prevented, if the ride was not being operated so fast, according to an engineer’s report to the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Two riders fell 34 feet when their car was left dangling from the track. In all, nine people were hurt.
The ride has been shut down since and Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam said it will remain closed indefinitely.
His office has also subpoenaed the ride operator “to obtain more information from the ride operator, and we will hold fully accountable those responsible,” said Putnam.
Orlando attorney Matt Morgan said he has been retained by one of the riders who fell and is considering a lawsuit.
The Sand Blaster Roller Coaster had been shut down by state inspectors twice in the past 18 months because of problems.
“Had the derailment which occurred after the (2103) refurbishment, but before the subject accident, been properly addressed by reducing car speed, the subject accident could have been avoided,” the report concluded.
Quest Engineering & Failure Analysis, Inc. was hired by the state to inspect the ride and issue a report. The engineering firm took extensive photos of the track, measured it, took 3D scans and employed drone photography.
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