Wollen wir hoffen, dass wenigstens Haßloch und Biddinghuizen verschont werden, denn die Änderungen an den Sitzen sollen einschlägigen Forenberichten zufolge die Airtime deutlich beschneiden.

State investigators Tuesday asked Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain to each shut down one roller coaster equipped with a restraint system that has been the focus of investigations in two recent fatal accidents out of state.

Both parks said they would comply with the request, which comes as amusement parks enter their peak season. State officials said it is the first time they have requested safety improvements based on accidents outside California.

With those cases in mind, officials from the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health on Tuesday asked Knott's Berry Farm to close Xcelerator and asked Six Flags Magic Mountain to close Superman: The Escape until fixes can be made.

"We've asked them to modify the restraint systems to enhance the safety of the rides and keep the rides closed until modifications are made," said department spokesman Dean Fryer.

In the past, the state has ordered changes only on rides that had accidents.

Fryer said state investigators have not issued an official order to shut down the two attractions because the parks agreed to comply. Both parks previously had said the equipment was safe and that the rides did not need to close.

Six Flags officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. The company has said it has begun changing restraints on some of its other attractions, including the Superman roller coaster in Massachusetts.

Susan Tierney, a Knott's spokeswoman, said the park voluntarily closed the Xcelerator coaster while park officials decide what to do. It's unclear when the ride will reopen, she said.

(Quelle: L.A. Times)