The accident at Six Flags over Mid-America wasn't a cable snap. (this is how these stories get started!)coasterfan71555 wrote:I think one of the major reasons the skyrides were removed was because of a major incident at Six Flags over Mid America (St. Louis) where their skyride cable snapped and there were some casualties. I really don't remember when that happened, but I am sure it did happen. Thus, I believe that because of this, all skyrides were removed from all Six Flags parks. If anyone remembers when that St. Louis accident happened, please refresh my memory. I do have many pleasant memories of riding the Delta Flyer/Eagle's Flight and Southern Cross. I especially remember passing by or over Tidal Wave and watching that ride go through its paces. I also remember the sign at the turnaround of Southern Cross saying that "The Great Southwest Territory rises in '79". I wish I had taken a photo of that! Of course, that did not happen until 1996!
One of the braces at the top of the towers that carries the pulleys and cable snapped due to a faulty weld or metal fatigue on 7/26/78. This knocked one of the cars off the cable, killing three and injuring one. The ride was then "E" stopped preventing further injury but stranding almost 100 people in the 27 remaining gondolas.
According to most industry people the reason for the large scale removal of the rides is the outrageous insurance premiums for a ride that opens the opportunity for people to maliciously drop objects on others.
Another Six Flags park that still runs one is Great Adventure in New Jersey. They have the four lane model that was originally at the 1964 New York World's Fair.
