A maintenance worker fell 18 feet from Belmont Park’s Big Dipper roller coaster Thursday, Dec. 4, during annual routine track work.
According to San Diego Coaster Company general manger Wendy Crain, the crewmember was walking along the track while tied to a safety wire. The worker untied himself to move from one position to another, and before he could re-connect himself, he flipped and fell to the ground.
“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 Nick Lerma, San Diego Lifeguard Services public information officer.
Paramedics took the victim to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was later released.
While the doctors said he was fine to return to work, Crain said he was given time off. “He’s a little stubborn so he wants to come back, but we’re giving him a couple of days,” she said.
According to Crain, the Big Dipper undergoes routine maintenance every year from January to February, during which time it is closed during the week and opens occasionally for weekends.
The Big Dipper roller coaster was closed the weekend following the accident. Crain said the ride will reopen Feb. 9 due to anticipated rain.
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.”