Woman Killed at Six Flags New Orleans

[honeywolf7]

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A woman standing near an amusement park ride was hit by at least one of the ride's cars and killed at Six Flags New Orleans.

The cars were about three feet off the ground at the time, park spokeswoman Ann Wills said. She said it wasn't clear how Rosa Donaldson got so close to the ride Wednesday night.

``There are gates that close off the area for safety reasons,'' Wills said.

Donaldson, 52, was taken to Lakeland Medical Center where she died of internal injuries from a crushed pelvis, the coroner's office said.


Donaldson's sister, Dianne Bowens, said she was told Donaldson was fastening her 4-year-old grandson into the ride, called Joker's Jukebox. The ride, with spinning cars set on arms that move, started, and Donaldson was hit in the head by one car and then struck again, she said.


New Orleans police, the state Fire Marshal's office and Six Flag officials are investigating her death.

 

[grinningghost]

That's pretty disturbing. Moral of the story: Don't be anywhere near a ride (unless you're on it) when it's in operation. Should be common sense, but I guess not everyone has it.

 

[Shannon G]

That's pretty disturbing. Moral of the story: Don't be anywhere near a ride (unless you're on it) when it's in operation. Should be common sense, but I guess not everyone has it.

I wouldn't assume that she (the woman killed) was lacking in common sense. From what I've read, witnesses have stated that she was buckling her grandson into the ride when the operator started the ride. I don't think it was a matter of her walking up to a ride that was already running or anything like that.

 

[BWVDenise]

It seems to me that Six Flags has a problem with safety. I don't go to the one in our state because of past deaths at the park. Very disturbing.

 

[vald1977]

How very sad. From what I've read, it does sound like a case of the park not taking proper safety precautions. Isn't it standard procedure for ride operators to do a walk around of a ride before starting it?

 

[TINKTWINS]

WOW thats really kind of scary to think about. The poor GS.

 

[Tinkbell]

Sounds to me like the ride was started before the area was checked for an "all clear". How sad.

 

[honeywolf7]

If it was the ride operator's fault (which I personally think it most likely was), this is one case in which I'd support a large settlement for the family of the deceased woman.

 

[Tinkbell]

I agree honeywolf.

 

[TigerBear]

I not only feel for the family of the victim but for everyone that witness this tragedy. I can't imagine going to an amusement park will ever be the same for them.

 

[PamOKW]

That's a pretty horrific incident. Her poor family must be devastated.

 

[Kitty 34]

How terrible.

 

[Minniespal]

How terrrible.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by BWVDenise
It seems to me that Six Flags has a problem with safety. I don't go to the one in our state because of past deaths at the park. Very disturbing.

You're talking about GA, right?

Actually, I hadn't gone in a LONG time (maybe 12 years ) and just started going this year.

Of coures the Haunted Mansion is gone , (can you believe next year it will be 20 years ago?.. Unbeleivable!)


And Rolling Thunder, has changed as well. Somebody stood up on it and got hurt, same with Lightning Loops. Lightning Loops has been gone for a LONG time.. maybe 10 years or more.


I have to say all this summer, I have noticed that there is usually mroe than one attendent per ride, and especially rides with kids.. they TRIPLE CHECK the rides. Adult rides like the coasters, they are very good about it as well.

I hadn't gone for a long time and it was refreshing.

 

[damo]

DS heard on the theme park boards that this lady had gone into the ride through the exit after the passengers had all been loaded and the ride was cleared to go. I guess the truth will come out eventually. Very sad story for everyone involved.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

How tragic no matter the cause. I feel for her grandchild.