A quick-thinking man faced a terrifying moment when the safety bar of a moving roller coaster unexpectedly became unlatched during his ride. This alarming incident occurred on Sunday, November 24, at Castles N’ Coasters in Arizona, as reported by local news outlet KPNX (12News). The event highlights the critical importance of safety measures in amusement parks, emphasizing the need for rigorous checks before rides commence to ensure the safety of all passengers involved.

Understanding the Roller Coaster Incident: A First-Hand Account

The man, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that he had visited the amusement park to celebrate his niece’s birthday. While riding the Desert Storm roller coaster, which is known for its thrilling double loops, he experienced a harrowing moment when the safety bar was unlatched. This unsettling event took place mere seconds after the ride began, just as the roller coaster was climbing to its peak. At that critical moment, the man became aware that the safety bar was not secured as he had initially believed. He distinctly remembered hearing the safety bar latch at the beginning of the ride, but reported that the ride operator did not conduct a physical inspection to confirm the safety of the passengers.

“As we started the climb, you could hear the familiar click of the roller coaster’s chain,” the man recounted to 12News. “As we approached the top, I suddenly heard a different click, which was not the usual sound of the chain pulling us up. I quickly checked my lap bar one last time, and to my horror, it released.”

With only moments to spare, the man made a split-second decision to jump out of the roller coaster cart and stand on the ride’s catwalk. The operator of the Desert Storm ride reportedly did not recognize the gravity of the situation until the man was safely on the ground. In his interview, he expressed concern regarding the lack of vigilance exhibited by the employees at Castles N’ Coasters. He firmly believes that had the female operator noticed his precarious situation outside the cart, she could have potentially activated the emergency release system. Ultimately, he feels that his quick thinking and decisive action were crucial in saving his life during this frightening ordeal.

Confronting Fears: The Most Alarming Aspect of the Experience

Although the man preferred to remain unidentified, cell phone footage captured the harrowing moment he climbed out of the roller coaster cart. During his conversation with 12News, he revealed that the most distressing part of the entire incident was the realization that a child could have been in his position, facing the same danger. This thought weighed heavily on him, highlighting the potential risks associated with amusement rides.

“The most frightening aspect is knowing that a child could have been in my place,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that enjoying a ride should come with the risk of losing your life.”

Moreover, the man mentioned that Arizona has been considering stricter regulations regarding amusement parks. However, he pointed out that currently, the state does not impose any direct regulations on these parks. Instead, amusement parks are only required to have their roller coasters inspected annually by a private firm or insurance company. This lack of stringent oversight raises concerns about the safety protocols in place at amusement parks throughout the state.

“There absolutely needs to be a change. All amusement parks that have the safety of individuals in their hands must be better regulated,” he emphasized. “The most alarming part was the negligence displayed by the staff and their overall carelessness throughout this entire incident.”

The man indicated that he filed a report with Castles N’ Coasters regarding the incident but has yet to receive a copy of it. While it remains uncertain whether he plans to pursue legal action over this unsettling experience, it’s noteworthy that a woman from Florida recently took legal steps against Universal Orlando for a similar situation. Geriann Clem visited the theme park in February 2023 with her husband and claimed to have sustained “severe and permanent personal injuries” after riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. She is seeking a jury trial while also pursuing monetary compensation for the damages she incurred.

RELATED: Florida Woman Sues Universal Orlando After Alleging Roller Coaster Ride Left Her With “Traumatic Brain Injury”