CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds in Charlotte has shut down two roller coasters indefinitely after a fatal accident on the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12, local coverage confirmed.
The Charlotte and Rock Hill, South Carolina, park is owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Six Flags told reporters that Fury 325 and Thunder Striker were closed as a precaution after one man died and several others were hurt at the Georgia theme park Monday. The investigation into the Georgia crash shut down rides at six amusement parks around the country, including the two Carowinds coasters.
Fury 325 is advertised as North America longest steel coaster and one of the tallest in the world. According to Carowinds, Fury is 6,600 feet long, has a top elevation of 325 feet and a top speed of 95 mph. Carowinds website lists Thunder Striker top speed as 80 mph with a top elevation of 232 feet.
The park website bills Carowinds as the Carolinas premier entertainment destination with more than 60 world-class rides and highlights Fury 325 among its award-winning thrill rides. Seasonal events and the on-site hotel and campground remain part of the destination pitch while the two coasters stay offline.
N.C. Department of Labor officials have been monitoring the precautionary closures as the Georgia investigation continues. Carowinds straddles the Charlotte-Rock Hill line, so the indefinite shutdown of its signature steel coasters hits both North Carolina and South Carolina guests planning fall visits.
