Theme park incident unfolds: In just seconds, what should have been a thrilling memory on one of Florida’s most intense roller coasters turned into a moment of chaos and potential danger.
On June 16, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a guest captured horrifying footage during a high-speed ride on Iron Gwazi—a hybrid coaster known for hitting 76 miles per hour. In the video, which has since gone viral, a rider is seen filming from the rear of the coaster when disaster strikes: another guest just a row ahead is hit square in the face by what appears to be a cellphone.
The clip ends as quickly as it began, leaving a swirl of unanswered questions and one alarming takeaway: a simple object became a dangerous missile. But how often does something like this happen—and what are parks doing to prevent it?
One Video, Thousands of Reactions as Theme Park Incident Unfolds
The video, believed to have been captured via a mounted GoPro-style device, was posted online shortly after the incident. It quickly spread across Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter, triggering heated debates and growing concern over how often guests bypass safety warnings.
I rode Iron Gwazi on Friday (rain ride) but something unexpected happened 2 rows in front of me, a phone flew back on the last hill into the brakes and hit someone on the head in front of me The phone ended up in my lap when flying back …this is scary … – @EthanHersaft on X
I rode Iron Gwazi on Friday (rain ride) but something unexpected happened
2 rows in front of me, a phone flew back on the last hill into the brakes and hit someone on the head in front of me
The phone ended up in my lap when flying back
…this is scary
— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) June 16, 2025
No official injury report has been released, but the reaction online has been visceral. Many users expressed disbelief at how easy it is to sneak devices onto rides, while others pointed out that the ride’s intense speed makes even small objects potentially deadly.
The Internet may have moved on from some viral clips in hours, but this one seems to be sticking—for a reason.
A Deadly Oversight in Guest Behavior?
Theme parks like Busch Gardens are no strangers to reminding guests about ride safety. Signs warn guests to leave all loose articles behind, and ride operators frequently make verbal announcements.
Still, personal devices—especially smartphones—continue to slip through. And as theme park culture shifts into social media mode, with TikToks and POVs becoming digital trophies, guests are increasingly willing to risk it all for the shot.
But in the case of Iron Gwazi, the cost wasn’t just a phone—it was someone’s face.
This moment shines a spotlight on what industry experts have been warning for years: a phone in the air at coaster speeds can hit like a fastball, or worse.
Will This Be the Wake-Up Call?
Though Busch Gardens has yet to make a formal statement, the footage may force a change in how the park—and others—handle loose item enforcement. Universal Orlando’s VelociCoaster, for example, requires lockers and implements metal detectors. Could similar tactics be coming to Busch Gardens?
Meanwhile, some online users have suggested implementing stricter checks, mandatory phone pouches, or even bans on recording equipment altogether.
The real concern: What if next time it’s worse?
A Cultural Shift in the Making? Theme Park Incident Sparks Call-To-Action
Beyond safety policies, this situation points to a broader theme: the conflict between digital culture and real-world responsibility. While sharing our adventures online is second nature, the stakes become dangerously high when digital moments risk physical harm.
The question remains—can theme parks keep up with this era of content creation? Or will guests continue to put views ahead of safety?
Until then, the ride continues—but so do the risks. When stepping onto a thrill ride, it’s not just your safety you’re taking into your hands—it’s everyone else’s, too. Put the phone away. Live the moment. Stay safe.
