Roller coaster derails in Daytona Beach, throws 2 riders 34 feet to the ground

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two people fell to the ground from 34 feet in the air, when a roller coaster derailed on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, fire officials said Thursday night.

The accident happened on the Sand Blaster roller coaster.

In total, 10 riders were extricated from the ride. Two were transported as trauma alerts to Halifax Health Medical Center. Nine patients were treated at Halifax Health, hospital officials said.
 

The 10 riders were on board a chain of three cars, said Sasha Staton, of the Daytona Beach Fire Department.

Two of those riders fell out of the front car, which was left dangling, officials said.

Firefighters used ladders and tech rescue equipment to get to some of the passengers, Staton said.

The scene was chaotic, as many people were in the area at the time that the ride derailed, crews said. Many riders were frightened, and the firefighters did an excellent job keeping people calm, Staton said.

The accident took place at the amusement park in the Boardwalk area, investigators said.

The roller coaster company -- Daytona Beach Boardwalk Amusement Rides Inc., according to records -- also runs rides in North Carolina and South Carolina, along with a traveling carnival, according to published reports.

Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the department is not investigating this incident, because no employees were injured.

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