Roller Coaster Decapitates South Carolina Teen

He wasn't on the ride but got hit while walking in a restricted area
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 28, 2008 8:19 PM CDT
Roller Coaster Decapitates South Carolina Teen
In this 1997 file photo, the Batman roller coaster is seen at Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta.    (AP Photo)

A teenager was decapitated by a roller coaster after he hopped a pair of fences and entered a restricted area today at Six Flags Over Georgia, authorities said. Officials are uncertain why the 17-year-old from Columbia, SC, scaled two 6-foot fences and ignored signs that said the restricted area was dangerous. Witnesses reported he was retrieving a hat he had lost while on the ride earlier.

Police said the ride was going full-speed when the teen was struck. The ride's top speed is 50 mph, according to the Six Flags Web site. No one riding on the roller coaster was injured. The teen's friend also entered the restricted area but was not injured. (More Six Flags stories.)

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