Couple Rescues 9-Year-Old Girl After Rollercoaster Seatbelt Fails

A day of excitement turned into a terrifying ordeal for a nine-year-old girl at the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, when her seatbelt snapped during a high-speed rollercoaster ride. As the ride, known as the Mamba, reached speeds of up to 75 mph and heights of 205 ft, a couple, Chris and Cassie Evins, intervened to prevent a potential tragedy.

The couple described the moment they realized something was wrong. Speaking to local news outlet KCTV5, Chris Evins recounted hearing a “blood-curdling” scream from behind them as they boarded the ride. Initially, he assumed the scream was a reaction to the thrill of the coaster. However, when the girl began shouting that her seatbelt had come undone, his perspective changed dramatically.

Chris turned around to see a significant gap between the girl and the lap bar. He recalled, “At this point, I’m seeing a huge space, no seatbelt.” In a swift response, he looped his arm under the lap bar and grabbed hold of the girl’s wrist while Cassie pushed down on her legs to keep her secure. The urgency of the situation escalated as the rollercoaster navigated its steep drops and sharp turns.

Ride photographs sold to passengers captured the pivotal moment when the couple worked to keep the girl in her seat. The images have since circulated widely on social media, highlighting the couple’s quick thinking and bravery amid the chaos.

As seasoned rollercoaster riders, the Evinses were aware of the ride’s most intense moments. Chris noted, “As we crested each hill or as we started to go up to the top, I recognized that it was going to lift her out of her seat.” He adjusted his position to apply pressure down on her body, ensuring she remained seated during the ride’s thrilling maneuvers.

In response to the incident, the park confirmed that a secondary restraint system was in place during the ride. A spokesperson stated that the Mamba was immediately shut down for inspection following the event. The ride underwent a comprehensive safety review, resulting in modifications requested by the Fire Marshall to ensure compliance with safety standards prior to reopening.

On November 4, 2023, the park reiterated to UNILAD that the Mamba features a “multi-layered restraint system,” with lap bars serving as the primary restraint and seat belts as a secondary safety measure. The spokesperson emphasized that multiple inspections had found no evidence of restraint failure in the lap bar system or the buckles on any seat belts.

The incident raises important questions about amusement park safety protocols and the effectiveness of restraint systems. As investigations continue, the park remains committed to ensuring the safety of its guests while providing thrilling experiences.