Dragster's future uncertain after injury-related shutdown

SANDUSKY — Will it stay or will it go? That is the question about one of Cedar Point's most iconic roller coasters — Top Thrill Dragster. On Aug. 15 an L-shaped bracket became dislodged from the ride and struck a woman standing in line. The metal projectile struck her in the head, causing serious injuries. Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. REGISTER FILE PHOTO Rachel Hawes, 44, of Swartz Creek, Mich. was treated at Firelands Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Toledo St. Vincent's Hospital for further care. Hawes' family released a statement saying she was fighting for her life. The family requested privacy, and no further statements have been released. Her current condition is unknown. The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Amusement Ride Safety dispatched inspectors to the park to examine the ride, according to some media reports, and the train car from which the bracket became detached as well as other pieces of evidence were sent to a lab for testing. But more than five months after its investigation was started, the agency isn't providing any updates on its findings to date. "The investigation is not yet complete. We will let you know when it is finished," said Shelby Croft, ODA's Communications Director. The Agriculture Department's role inspecting amusement park rides and investigating accidents on them is a legacy from its role doing that for county fairs when carnival rides would be assembled and inspected as they traveled from one venue to another in summer months. A Cedar Point official also had no new information. "There are no updates to share at this time," said Tony Clark, Cedar Point's Director of Communications. Cedar Point told attendees of American Coaster Enthusiasts' Western Great Lakes virtual convention that it had no information on Top Thrill Dragster. The Sandusky Register asked readers for their views concerning the Dragster's fate. More than two thirds of respondents advocated reopening the ride. "I would reopen it ... if it is fixed and won't happen again," said Brook Gish. "Fix it, and open it," added Amy Stover. Ian Varish commented, "Open it. Unfortunate accidents happen sometimes." Some readers, though, called for the ride's removal from the park. "Close it down," said Kathy Tipton. Top Thrill Dragster was the first roller coaster to eclipse 400 feet in height when it opened in 2003. The ride was designed by the Liechtenstein-based Intamin Amusement Rides. Top Thrill Dragster timeline: May 4, 2003 — Dragster debuts as the first closed-circuit roller coaster exceeding 400 feet in height. July 12, 2004 — Four riders sustained arm and facial injuries after being struck by debris from a frayed launch cable. August 7, 2016 — A cable line detached from the ride. Two park guests were treated at the park's first aid station. August 15, 2021 — A woman standing in line was struck by a metal bracket that had become dislodged from the ride. The ride closed for the remainder of the 2021 season.