State to investigate Daytona Beach roller coaster accident
DAYTONA BEACH (NSF) - The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Friday it will investigate a roller-coaster derailment Thursday night in Daytona Beach, though state inspectors had been at the site hours before the accident.
“Just yesterday, department inspectors conducted a thorough inspection of the ride, and it was found in compliance with state law,” department spokeswoman Jennifer Meale said in a prepared statement Friday. “We have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, and anyone who should be held accountable will be held accountable.”
The department is responsible for inspecting amusement rides across the state.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that three roller-coaster cars were involved in the incident. At least two people were ejected from the first car, which was dangling off the track, and eight other people were rescued from the cars behind it.
The News-Journal said people involved in the accident were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center.