Worker struck and killed by coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - An employee at Six Flags Magic Mountain was struck and killed by the Scream roller coaster Friday, authorities said.

The employee, who was not immediately identified, walked onto the coaster's tracks in a restricted area shortly after 10 a.m., said Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Larry Gump. The worker died at a hospital.

"We do not know why this employee was in this area at this time," park spokeswoman Sue Carpenter said.

Sheriff's investigators along with officials from the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health were called to the park.

Scream, a floorless roller coaster opened in April 2003. Riders are strapped into chairs with their feet dangling as the attraction goes through a series of twists and turns, reaching speeds up to 65 mph.

Magic Mountain has 18 other roller coasters on its 260-acre playground of rides and attractions.

A 28-year-old woman died of a ruptured aneurysm in June 2001 on the Goliath Roller Coaster at the park. A coroner's report stated the ride may have been a factor in her death.

(c) The Mercury News, 9. April 2004