A maintenance worker fell Thursday, Jan. 4, during annual routine track work on Belmont Park’s Big Dipper roller coaster.
According to San Diego Coaster Company General Manger Wendy Crain, the crewmember was walking along the track while tied off to his safety wire. The worker untied himself to move from one position to another and before he could re-tie himself, he flipped and fell 18 feet.
“Thankfully he flipped while he was in the air and landed on all fours and he’s fine,” Crain said.
Other crewmembers called 911 and lifeguards were called over to assist until paramedics arrived.
“We did our regular patient care,” said San Diego Lifeguard Services Public Information Officer Nick Lerma.
Paramedics took the victim to Scripps Memorial Hospital where he was later released him with a clean bill of health.
“They put him to return to work but we told him to take a little time off,” Crain said. “He’s a little stubborn so he wants to come back but we’re giving him a couple of days.”
According to Crain, the Big Dipper undergoes routine maintenance every year from January to February, when it remains closed during the week and opens occasionally for weekends. The Big Dipper roller coaster remained closed the weekend following the accident.
Crain said that they were hoping to open the coaster to the public the weekend of Jan. 13, but due to the anticipated rain the rides’ next opening date will not be until Feb. 9.
The victim has worked with the Big Dipper for eight years. This is the first accident of this kind in the coaster’s history.
“We’ve been really lucky,” Crain said. “In fact we were really lucky with this one too.”