Speed Blamed For Boardwalk Coaster Derailment

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Daytona Beach, FL - Excessive speed is cited as the main reason behind last month's roller coaster derailment at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk which sent multiple people to the hospital.

That's the main takeaway behind the preliminary investigative report released today by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

"Operator error caused the Sand Blaster Roller Coaster derailment, which injured multiple people," stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. "We've issued subpoenas to obtain more information from the ride operator and we will hold fully accountable those responsible."

10 people were on that ride when the lead car flew off the second level of the "Sand Blaster" track on the night of June 14, 2018, hours after it passed a state inspection. All were initially taken to Halifax Health Medical Center to be checked out, with six requiring hospitalization.

At least three of the victims have since hired lawyers to represent them.

The report says that the Sand Blaster - owned and operated by Boardwalk Amusement Rides, LLC - also passed an Ag & Consumer inspection on May 17th and that none of the deficiencies which were found and corrected during that inspection played a role in the derailment.

Three inspectors also checked out the ride after the derailment and found no "mechanical, structural or electrical defects" which would have caused the derailment.

Click here for the full preliminary report summary.

The Sand Blaster has not operated since the accident.

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