A significant crack in a support beam of the Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds amusement park has sparked safety concerns, though many visitors remain undeterred. The incident, captured on video, shows the beam bending with a visible detachment at the top as riders sped by at 95 mph. The park, located on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, promptly closed the ride.
While state investigators have visited the park, details of their findings are yet to be released. Carowinds assures the public that all rides undergo daily inspections for functionality and structural integrity. Despite the incident, several parkgoers expressed continued confidence in the park's safety measures.
Greg Bledsoe, a season pass holder, admitted the video was shocking but remained optimistic about the park's safety. He expressed hope for the ride's swift repair, emphasizing its popularity. Industry experts highlight the statistically low injury rates on amusement park rides, citing a 2021 survey by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions that found 0.9 injuries per million rides.

Caitlin Dineen, the association's spokesperson, emphasized the industry's commitment to safety. Steven Powers, a visitor, echoed this sentiment, stating that while safety concerns are natural, he trusts the park's commitment to visitor well-being.
This incident follows other recent amusement park mishaps, including riders being trapped upside down on a Wisconsin roller coaster and the tragic death of a teenager on a Florida ride in 2022. The latter led to the removal of the ride after an investigation revealed sensor adjustments that compromised safety restraints.
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