Cedar Point closing Top Thrill Dragster ride after it caused a severe injury in 2021
Craig Webb
AKRON, Ohio — It was once the tallest roller coaster in the world.
And some 19 years and a troubled past later, Cedar Point is retiring the famed Top Thrill Dragster.
The ride that dominates the Sandusky park's skyline has sat idle since a tragic mishap last August severely injured a park guest after a piece of the ride about the size of "a man's hand," became dislodged and struck a woman standing in line in the head.
'Fighting for her life:'Woman at Cedar Point struck in the head by falling roller coaster piece
Before the mishap, some 18 million guests rode of the ride that sent riders some 420 feet in the air at a speed of 120 miles per hour in just 4 seconds.
But the ride was plagued by frequent breakdowns and long lines over the years.
In its announcement on social media Monday morning, Cedar Point says the ride "as you know it is being retired."
The park says an announcement will be made later of a new and "reimagined" ride experience.
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.
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