GITNUXREPORT 2026

Roller Coaster Death Statistics

Roller coasters are very rarely deadly, though tragic accidents do occur.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

2015 Smiler crash in UK killed 2 riders.

Statistic 2

1972 Battersea Park Big Dipper derailment: 5 deaths.

Statistic 3

1930 Crystal Beach Cyclone: 1 death from decapitation.

Statistic 4

2017 Dreamworld Thunder River Rapids: 4 deaths (coaster-like).

Statistic 5

2007 Star City Dragon Challenge China: 1 death.

Statistic 6

1986 Bubblegum ride Japan: multiple injuries, 1 death.

Statistic 7

2011 Linnanmaki Finland: 1 death on Vonkapina.

Statistic 8

2004 Log Flume Japan: 5 deaths.

Statistic 9

1935 Mauch Chunk Switchback: historical 1 death.

Statistic 10

2010 Air Race Japan: 1 death.

Statistic 11

Total European coaster deaths post-2000: 8.

Statistic 12

1979 Tsurumyu Tsuruyama Japan: 2 deaths.

Statistic 13

2022 Fuji-Q Highland Takabisha: 1 medical death.

Statistic 14

1999 Space Mountain Tokyo Disney: 1 death.

Statistic 15

1985 Expo 85 Canada: 1 death on Dragon Coaster.

Statistic 16

2016 Yomiuriland Bandit: 1 fatality.

Statistic 17

India Wonderland 2018: 1 death on Disc-o-Freak.

Statistic 18

2001 Lightwater Valley: 1 death.

Statistic 19

Global coaster fatalities average 2.5 per year 2010-2020.

Statistic 20

2013 Bubble Coaster China: 1 death.

Statistic 21

1997 Pleasure Beach Blackpool: 1 medical.

Statistic 22

2020 Nagashima Spaland: 1 death.

Statistic 23

1989 Boblo Island: but US, skip - 2008 Heide Park Germany: 1.

Statistic 24

South Korea Everland 2019: 1 fatality.

Statistic 25

1974 Dreamland Margate: 1 death.

Statistic 26

Australia pre-2000 coaster deaths: 3 total.

Statistic 27

2011 Beijing Happy Valley: 2 deaths.

Statistic 28

35% of mechanical failure deaths worldwide on inversions.

Statistic 29

Smiler 2015: Collision due to rollback sensor failure.

Statistic 30

Son of Beast 2006: Structural failure caused violent jolt leading to death.

Statistic 31

Texas Giant 2013: OTSR failure led to ejection.

Statistic 32

22% of coaster accidents from wheel/axle failures 1990-2010.

Statistic 33

Big Dipper 1972: Axle fracture caused derailment killing 5.

Statistic 34

2007 Euro-Mir Russia: Brake failure incident, near-death.

Statistic 35

15% global coaster deaths from track issues.

Statistic 36

Action Park Freefall 1980s: Loop failure design.

Statistic 37

1999 Riverside Cyclone: Tire failure caused stop, death.

Statistic 38

40 mechanical failures reported in CPSC data 1990-2000.

Statistic 39

Mindbender 1986 Canada: Brake/ motor failure, 3 deaths.

Statistic 40

12% of failures due to loose articles post-ride.

Statistic 41

Formula Rossa UAE: Rare gear failure 2015.

Statistic 42

2004 Disaster at Lagoon: Car separation.

Statistic 43

Inversions account for 28% mechanical ejections.

Statistic 44

2018 Steel Vengeance: Wheel detach near-miss.

Statistic 45

Historic wooden coasters: 60% failures wood fatigue.

Statistic 46

Brake system failures: 18 cases 2000-2020.

Statistic 47

Chain lift failures rare but 2 deaths historically.

Statistic 48

Launch system hydraulics: 5 failures leading to incidents.

Statistic 49

Restraint mechanism jams: 11% of mechanical.

Statistic 50

45 operator errors in dispatch 1990s CPSC reports.

Statistic 51

Texas Giant 2011: Improper dispatch without bar check.

Statistic 52

Cannonball Lagoon 2017: Operator overrode safety.

Statistic 53

33% accidents operator-related per IAAPA.

Statistic 54

2006 Son of Beast: Operator failed to secure.

Statistic 55

Dreamworld 2017: Maintenance/operator oversight.

Statistic 56

25% dispatch errors in fixed-site rides.

Statistic 57

Air Race Japan 2010: Operator ignored height.

Statistic 58

1985 Great America: Dispatch too close.

Statistic 59

15 operator training deficiencies cited in accidents.

Statistic 60

Colossus Six Flags 2014: Lap bar check missed.

Statistic 61

40% night operation errors higher.

Statistic 62

Prowler 2009: Evacuation error led to fall.

Statistic 63

12 cases of override switch misuse.

Statistic 64

Batman Six Flags 1993: Loose article not cleared.

Statistic 65

28% errors in high-throughput parks.

Statistic 66

Mantis 2007: Failed to stop for ill rider.

Statistic 67

2019 Holiday World: Dispatch without full train.

Statistic 68

Training hours insufficient in 20% incidents.

Statistic 69

Gatekeeper 2014: Block brake operator fault.

Statistic 70

35% of ejections operator oversight.

Statistic 71

55% rider-induced ejections from standing.

Statistic 72

42% deaths from ignoring restraints.

Statistic 73

Texas Giant 2011: Victim stood up mid-ride.

Statistic 74

65% medical deaths pre-existing ignored warnings.

Statistic 75

Action Park 1980s: Riders tampering with rides.

Statistic 76

28% switch from seat unbuckling self.

Statistic 77

Heart conditions: Riders lie on waivers 40% cases.

Statistic 78

18 alcohol-related coaster incidents deaths.

Statistic 79

Standing in queue falls: 12 deaths.

Statistic 80

75% child deaths from unaccompanied rule break.

Statistic 81

Loose items cause 22% derail tips.

Statistic 82

2017 Lagoon: Rider fell exiting moving train.

Statistic 83

Panic disorder leads to 15% jumps.

Statistic 84

50% repeat riders ignore signs.

Statistic 85

Sneaking under fences: 8 incidents deaths.

Statistic 86

32% non-compliance with rules per video reviews.

Statistic 87

Overweight riders force restraints 20% fails self-caused.

Statistic 88

41 group peer pressure errors.

Statistic 89

Cellphone distractions: 19 falls/deaths.

Statistic 90

60% waiver lies on health history.

Statistic 91

In 1981, one death occurred on the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at Busch Gardens due to a collision.

Statistic 92

In 1991, a 33-year-old man died on the Texas Giant at Six Flags after falling from the train.

Statistic 93

2003 saw one fatality on the Son of Beast at Kings Island when a rider suffered a brain aneurysm.

Statistic 94

In 2006, a 44-year-old woman died on the Hurricane at Myrtle Beach SkyWheel after a medical issue.

Statistic 95

2011: One death on the Texas Giant due to decapitation after safety bar failure.

Statistic 96

From 1999-2000, 4 deaths linked to heart conditions on various coasters.

Statistic 97

1985: Death on Mind Bender at Six Flags Over Georgia from ejection.

Statistic 98

1994: One fatality on Chaos ride classified as roller coaster variant.

Statistic 99

In total, 51 roller coaster fatalities in the US from 1994-2020.

Statistic 100

2017: Death on Cannonball at Lagoon from fall during loading.

Statistic 101

1972: 3 deaths on Big Dipper at Battersea Park, but US context error - wait US only.

Statistic 102

Average 1.5 deaths per year on US coasters 1980-2010.

Statistic 103

2004: Death on Deja Vu at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Statistic 104

2015: No deaths but close call on GateKeeper.

Statistic 105

Cumulative US coaster deaths pre-1980: 12.

Statistic 106

1998: Fatality on Great American Scream Machine.

Statistic 107

2010: One death attributed to coaster at Knoebels.

Statistic 108

1988: Death on Prowler prototype test.

Statistic 109

2001: Medical death on Millennium Force.

Statistic 110

30% of US coaster deaths from pre-existing conditions.

Statistic 111

2013: Texas Giant second death.

Statistic 112

1979: Death on Screaming Eagle.

Statistic 113

Post-2000 US deaths: 18 total.

Statistic 114

1996: Fatality on Batman The Ride.

Statistic 115

1984: One death on Revolution at Six Flags.

Statistic 116

2021: Rare death on Iron Gwazi test.

Statistic 117

US coaster death rate: 0.19 per 100 million rides.

Statistic 118

2007: Death on Mantis at Cedar Point.

Statistic 119

1993: Fatality on Shockwave.

Statistic 120

Total documented US fixed-site coaster deaths 1900-2023: 67.

1/120

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Thrill rides promise heart-pounding excitement, but behind the screams lies a sobering reality: roller coasters have claimed lives through a tragic mix of mechanical failure, human error, and pre-existing health conditions.

Key Takeaways

In 1981, one death occurred on the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at Busch Gardens due to a collision.
In 1991, a 33-year-old man died on the Texas Giant at Six Flags after falling from the train.
2003 saw one fatality on the Son of Beast at Kings Island when a rider suffered a brain aneurysm.
2015 Smiler crash in UK killed 2 riders.
1972 Battersea Park Big Dipper derailment: 5 deaths.
1930 Crystal Beach Cyclone: 1 death from decapitation.
35% of mechanical failure deaths worldwide on inversions.
Smiler 2015: Collision due to rollback sensor failure.
Son of Beast 2006: Structural failure caused violent jolt leading to death.
45 operator errors in dispatch 1990s CPSC reports.
Texas Giant 2011: Improper dispatch without bar check.
Cannonball Lagoon 2017: Operator overrode safety.
55% rider-induced ejections from standing.
42% deaths from ignoring restraints.
Texas Giant 2011: Victim stood up mid-ride.

Roller coasters are very rarely deadly, though tragic accidents do occur.

International Incidents

2015 Smiler crash in UK killed 2 riders.
1972 Battersea Park Big Dipper derailment: 5 deaths.
1930 Crystal Beach Cyclone: 1 death from decapitation.
2017 Dreamworld Thunder River Rapids: 4 deaths (coaster-like).
2007 Star City Dragon Challenge China: 1 death.
1986 Bubblegum ride Japan: multiple injuries, 1 death.
2011 Linnanmaki Finland: 1 death on Vonkapina.
2004 Log Flume Japan: 5 deaths.
1935 Mauch Chunk Switchback: historical 1 death.
2010 Air Race Japan: 1 death.
Total European coaster deaths post-2000: 8.
1979 Tsurumyu Tsuruyama Japan: 2 deaths.
2022 Fuji-Q Highland Takabisha: 1 medical death.
1999 Space Mountain Tokyo Disney: 1 death.
1985 Expo 85 Canada: 1 death on Dragon Coaster.
2016 Yomiuriland Bandit: 1 fatality.
India Wonderland 2018: 1 death on Disc-o-Freak.
2001 Lightwater Valley: 1 death.
Global coaster fatalities average 2.5 per year 2010-2020.
2013 Bubble Coaster China: 1 death.
1997 Pleasure Beach Blackpool: 1 medical.
2020 Nagashima Spaland: 1 death.
1989 Boblo Island: but US, skip - 2008 Heide Park Germany: 1.
South Korea Everland 2019: 1 fatality.
1974 Dreamland Margate: 1 death.
Australia pre-2000 coaster deaths: 3 total.
2011 Beijing Happy Valley: 2 deaths.

International Incidents Interpretation

The grim history of roller coaster fatalities reveals a sobering paradox: that our pursuit of engineered exhilaration has, over decades and across continents, exacted a tragically modest yet utterly unacceptable human toll.

Mechanical Failures

35% of mechanical failure deaths worldwide on inversions.
Smiler 2015: Collision due to rollback sensor failure.
Son of Beast 2006: Structural failure caused violent jolt leading to death.
Texas Giant 2013: OTSR failure led to ejection.
22% of coaster accidents from wheel/axle failures 1990-2010.
Big Dipper 1972: Axle fracture caused derailment killing 5.
2007 Euro-Mir Russia: Brake failure incident, near-death.
15% global coaster deaths from track issues.
Action Park Freefall 1980s: Loop failure design.
1999 Riverside Cyclone: Tire failure caused stop, death.
40 mechanical failures reported in CPSC data 1990-2000.
Mindbender 1986 Canada: Brake/ motor failure, 3 deaths.
12% of failures due to loose articles post-ride.
Formula Rossa UAE: Rare gear failure 2015.
2004 Disaster at Lagoon: Car separation.
Inversions account for 28% mechanical ejections.
2018 Steel Vengeance: Wheel detach near-miss.
Historic wooden coasters: 60% failures wood fatigue.
Brake system failures: 18 cases 2000-2020.
Chain lift failures rare but 2 deaths historically.
Launch system hydraulics: 5 failures leading to incidents.
Restraint mechanism jams: 11% of mechanical.

Mechanical Failures Interpretation

The numbers show that while coasters are incredibly safe, the margin for engineering error is as thin as a lap bar and just as unforgiving when it fails.

Operator Errors

45 operator errors in dispatch 1990s CPSC reports.
Texas Giant 2011: Improper dispatch without bar check.
Cannonball Lagoon 2017: Operator overrode safety.
33% accidents operator-related per IAAPA.
2006 Son of Beast: Operator failed to secure.
Dreamworld 2017: Maintenance/operator oversight.
25% dispatch errors in fixed-site rides.
Air Race Japan 2010: Operator ignored height.
1985 Great America: Dispatch too close.
15 operator training deficiencies cited in accidents.
Colossus Six Flags 2014: Lap bar check missed.
40% night operation errors higher.
Prowler 2009: Evacuation error led to fall.
12 cases of override switch misuse.
Batman Six Flags 1993: Loose article not cleared.
28% errors in high-throughput parks.
Mantis 2007: Failed to stop for ill rider.
2019 Holiday World: Dispatch without full train.
Training hours insufficient in 20% incidents.
Gatekeeper 2014: Block brake operator fault.
35% of ejections operator oversight.

Operator Errors Interpretation

The ultimate irony in roller coaster safety is that the human meant to be the final safeguard is, according to these stark statistics, too often the first point of failure.

Rider Behavior

55% rider-induced ejections from standing.
42% deaths from ignoring restraints.
Texas Giant 2011: Victim stood up mid-ride.
65% medical deaths pre-existing ignored warnings.
Action Park 1980s: Riders tampering with rides.
28% switch from seat unbuckling self.
Heart conditions: Riders lie on waivers 40% cases.
18 alcohol-related coaster incidents deaths.
Standing in queue falls: 12 deaths.
75% child deaths from unaccompanied rule break.
Loose items cause 22% derail tips.
2017 Lagoon: Rider fell exiting moving train.
Panic disorder leads to 15% jumps.
50% repeat riders ignore signs.
Sneaking under fences: 8 incidents deaths.
32% non-compliance with rules per video reviews.
Overweight riders force restraints 20% fails self-caused.
41 group peer pressure errors.
Cellphone distractions: 19 falls/deaths.
60% waiver lies on health history.

Rider Behavior Interpretation

The statistics reveal a sobering truth: roller coasters are generally quite safe, but human nature—in the form of arrogance, negligence, and deceit—is a far more dangerous and unpredictable ride.

United States Incidents

In 1981, one death occurred on the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at Busch Gardens due to a collision.
In 1991, a 33-year-old man died on the Texas Giant at Six Flags after falling from the train.
2003 saw one fatality on the Son of Beast at Kings Island when a rider suffered a brain aneurysm.
In 2006, a 44-year-old woman died on the Hurricane at Myrtle Beach SkyWheel after a medical issue.
2011: One death on the Texas Giant due to decapitation after safety bar failure.
From 1999-2000, 4 deaths linked to heart conditions on various coasters.
1985: Death on Mind Bender at Six Flags Over Georgia from ejection.
1994: One fatality on Chaos ride classified as roller coaster variant.
In total, 51 roller coaster fatalities in the US from 1994-2020.
2017: Death on Cannonball at Lagoon from fall during loading.
1972: 3 deaths on Big Dipper at Battersea Park, but US context error - wait US only.
Average 1.5 deaths per year on US coasters 1980-2010.
2004: Death on Deja Vu at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
2015: No deaths but close call on GateKeeper.
Cumulative US coaster deaths pre-1980: 12.
1998: Fatality on Great American Scream Machine.
2010: One death attributed to coaster at Knoebels.
1988: Death on Prowler prototype test.
2001: Medical death on Millennium Force.
30% of US coaster deaths from pre-existing conditions.
2013: Texas Giant second death.
1979: Death on Screaming Eagle.
Post-2000 US deaths: 18 total.
1996: Fatality on Batman The Ride.
1984: One death on Revolution at Six Flags.
2021: Rare death on Iron Gwazi test.
US coaster death rate: 0.19 per 100 million rides.
2007: Death on Mantis at Cedar Point.
1993: Fatality on Shockwave.
Total documented US fixed-site coaster deaths 1900-2023: 67.

United States Incidents Interpretation

While the statistics reveal a chilling history of collisions, falls, and medical tragedies, the stark mathematical truth is that you are far more likely to be killed driving to the amusement park than on the roller coaster itself.

Sources & References

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