State Agriculture Department blames Six Flags accident on cable fatigue, operator error

Business First of Louisville

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The Kentucky Department of Agriculture today said cable fatigue on the Superman Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom was to blame for the June 21 accident that severed Louisville teenager Kaitlyn Lasitter's feet.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has since dismantled the ride.

Based on the findings of two independent laboratories and other expert analysis, the KDA ruled that it "was impossible to determine when the cable began to fail."

But it said "the extent of the fatigue would have made it possible for Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom to have detected the deteriorating condition of the cable prior to the incident," the KDA said in a news release.

The KDA fined Six Flags $1,000 for being in violation of a state law that requires amusement rides and attractions to be in good electrical and mechanical condition.

The KDA also ruled that injuries to riders "might have been less severe" if ride operators had pressed the emergency stop control within 10 seconds of hearing noises.

In a response, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom public relations director Carolyn McLean said the park has audited its maintenance, training and safety policies.

She said employees of the theme park spent more than 10,500 man hours on safety and maintenance procedures before opening day this year. It also spends 100 man hours each day on inspections and maintenance, she said.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our guests at Kentucky Kingdom," McLean said in a news release. "We deeply regret last year's tragedy, and we are working with the Lasitter family to ensure that Kaitlyn will be taken care of for the rest of her life." \

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