A 60-year-old woman from Texas, Nicki Parker, sustained severe injuries on a roller coaster at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado. Parker suffered a broken rib, a collapsed lung, a traumatic brain injury, and a dislocated shoulder. It is reported that she was thrown from her seat and dragged along the track for about 20 to 30 seconds while her seat belt was still fastened.

According to Trent Ongert of Bloch Ongert Injury Law, the seat belt was wrapped around Parker, causing her to be dragged as the coaster continued its course. Her husband, who was riding behind her, tried to assist her after she ended up lying on the track. Ongert noted that accessing her was difficult since the coaster’s track is elevated 15 to 20 feet off the ground. Currently, Parker remains hospitalized.

A sign on the ride indicates the cart will stop and beep if a seat belt becomes disconnected. The Rocky Mountain Coaster is recognized as the second longest alpine coaster in North America, measuring 5,800 feet in length.

Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety is actively investigating the incident. The agency confirmed that one rider was injured during this event. The coaster is closed as investigations proceed, and the manufacturer has been instructed to issue a safety bulletin to all operators affected by the closure.

Another similar ride at Purgatory Resort has also been temporarily closed pending investigation outcomes. Documentation from the incident will be withheld until the investigation concludes.

The resort has issued a statement expressing their concern and wishing Parker a speedy recovery. Attempts have been made to reach the agency, the resort, and Ongert for further comments.