Roller Coaster Horror: Maintenance Worker Killed in Deadly Theme Park Incident
Theme park thrill rides are built with strict safety measures, rigorous testing, and state-of-the-art engineering, making serious accidents extremely rare. But as today’s tragic events in Japan prove, even with extensive protocols in place, theme park safety isn’t foolproof.
A Fatal Accident at Fuji-Q Highland
A 29-year-old maintenance worker has died after a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland—one of Japan’s most intense theme parks—rolled over his abdomen during a routine inspection.
According to local reports, Iori Kamura was performing maintenance work on Eejanaika, the park’s famous fourth dimension roller coaster known for its 360-degree rotating seats and intense twists. The accident happened at 11:50 a.m. on February 28, when a ride vehicle unexpectedly moved, trapping Kamura between the wheels and the track.
Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, but he was already unconscious upon arrival. Authorities from the Fujiyoshida Police Department are now investigating whether proper safety protocols were followed during the inspection.
A Roller Coaster With a History of Incidents
This isn’t the first time Eejanaika has been linked to a serious accident. The coaster—billed as one of the most extreme rides in the world—has a history of malfunctions and safety concerns.
In 2007, another maintenance worker was injured when a ride vehicle suddenly moved, crushing him against a rail and breaking his chest bone. Then, in 2012, a bolt snapped off mid-ride, striking a guest below and causing injuries. That incident led to months-long closures, during which new safety protocols were introduced, including:
- Closing off the walkway where the incident happened
- Banning riders from wearing shoes on the coaster
- Prohibiting onboard audio and video equipment
The goal was to reduce future risks, but today’s tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about the ride’s safety.
Fuji-Q Highland’s Troubled Safety Record
Fuji-Q Highland isn’t a stranger to ride-related controversies. The park is known for pushing the limits of thrill rides, but in some cases, those extremes have led to major safety issues.
In 2021, the park made headlines when Do-Dodonpa, a coaster that once held the title of the world’s fastest, was suddenly shut down after multiple riders reported broken bones—including fractures to the neck and spine. After years of uncertainty, Fuji-Q announced in March 2024 that Do-Dodonpa is permanently closed.
Following today’s incident, Eejanaika has been listed as “suspended” on the Fuji-Q Highland website, with no timeline for reopening.
What Happens Next?
As authorities investigate the cause of the accident, Fuji-Q Highland is under scrutiny as an investigation looks into the circumstances that led to Kamura’s death. While the park has yet to confirm whether the ride will reopen in the future, its management issued a statement expressing condolences: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased.”
Have you ever visited Fuji-Q Highland?
