Kennywood rider hit by phone on Phantom's Revenge
A roller coaster rider was hit by a phone on Kennywood's Phantom's Revenge Wednesday night, sending them to the hospital.
A spokesperson for Kennywood confirmed the incident and said first responders took care of the guest, who ultimately went to the hospital. There was no word on their condition.
The Phantom's Revenge is a steel roller coaster with a 232-foot drop, topping out at 85 mph.
, loose articles, including cell phones, shouldn't be taken on any ride and they're not permitted on roller coasters. There are loose article boxes provided on rides, but Kennywood said items that are lost, stolen or damaged aren't the park's responsibility.
On Thursday, a KDKA crew visited the ride, where there are large signs saying "all loose articles including cell phones and cameras are prohibited on this ride. Violators will be removed from the park without refund." Another sign near the ride says "cell phones + roller coaster = dangerous projectile." Guests also hear the safety reminders over the loudspeakers.
Kennywood general manager Ricky Spicuzza said the best thing riders can do is leave their loose articles with a non-rider. There are also lockers that guests can rent.
Not being able to take loose articles on rides is a "pretty standard" policy at amusement parks, Spicuzza said. He added that anyone who "blatantly" disregards a safety rule won't be allowed back.
"If you come to Kennywood and you break the rules, you can't come to Kennywood anymore," Spicuzza said. "It's very important to us because we have a responsibility to keep all of our guests safe, but the guests also have a responsibility to keep themselves safe, as well as others."
He wasn't able to provide any more details about the guest who was hit on Wednesday. A Kennywood spokesperson said, "We wish the guest a full and speedy recovery."
