World’s second-tallest roller coaster in Cedar Point is permanently closing

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) – An amusement park in Ohio is permanently closing the world’s second-tallest roller coaster.

The decision announced Tuesday by Cedar Point comes a year after a small metal object flew off the 420-foot (128-meter) tall Top Thrill Dragster coaster and struck a woman in the head at the park in Sandusky.

A state investigation found no evidence that the park acted illegally or had reason to believe the ride was unsafe.

The ride has remained closed since the Aug. 15, 2021 accident.

Park officials did not say if the accident influenced their decision to permanently close the coaster, which has operated for 19 years and drawn 18 million riders.