JAPANESE ROLLER COASTER BREAKING BONES

A high-speed roller coaster in Japan capable of hitting speeds of up to 112 miles per hour is being shut down indefinitely pending an investigation into whether it is causing broken bones. The Do-Dodonpa roller coaster at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park opened in 2001, so it’s been in operation for 20 years, but was remodeled in 2016. The coaster is launched with compressed air, going from zero-to-112 mph (180 km/h) in 1.6 seconds. The riders experience a 3.3 g-force. By comparison, astronauts only experience 3g at liftoff, although for a longer period of time. Four passengers have reported being injured on the ride between December 2020 and August 2021. The injuries were among men and women in the 30-50 age range. All had significant injuries, including a cervical fracture and a thoracic spine fracture. A press statement released by the park states that the roller coaster will be closed “due to a safety overhaul.”
* (long pause) Coooooollll!!!!
* I believe “Do-Dodonpa” translates as “Snap, Crackle, Pop.”
* The problem is, at that speed the ride is literally over in four seconds.
* You can get out the “Woo–” but by the time you get to the “-hoo” you’re already back at the station.
* The coaster has a sign that says, “You must be THIS insured to ride this ride.”
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