Teen Decapitated by Six Flags Coaster

Another horrible amusement park accident unfolded this afternoon; this time at the Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia. At 2:30 today, a teenager was decapitated by the 50 mph Batman coaster after entering a restricted area around the attraction:

Park spokeswoman Hela Sheth said in a news release the 17-year-old scaled two six-foot fences that were clearly marked with signs that read "Danger" and "Do Not Enter."

"We do not know why this person was intent on gaining access to this restricted area," Sheth said. She did not identify the teenager.

"Some witnesses have stated that the individual was trying to retrieve something he had lost. Others reported that he was trying to touch the ride. This is merely speculation at this point, and we are working with park visitors and local police to learn more."

In May 2002, 58-year-old groundskeeper Samuel Milton Guyton of Atlanta was killed after he wandered in a restricted area under the Batman roller coaster's path and was struck in the head by the dangling leg of one of the ride's passengers. The ride was closed for a day to allow the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration to inspect the ride. It was deemed safe for passengers.

Last year, a teenager's legs were severed when cables snapped on the Superman Tower of Power ride at the Louisville, Kentucky Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Doctors were able to reattach Kaitlyn Lasitter's right foot, but she had to have some of her left leg amputated and subsequent surgeries.