Man Struck by Utah Rollercoaster Claims He Suffered ‘Permanent Disfigurement’: Lawsuit

A man from Utah has filed a lawsuit claiming he suffered “permanent disfigurement” after being struck by a rollercoaster. Steven Thorpe, an HVAC technician, alleges that a test vehicle on the Primordial coaster at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah collided with the scissor lift he was working on, causing him to be thrown through the air. The incident is said to have occurred in August 2023 when the ride was still under construction.

In an amended complaint filed against multiple defendants, Thorpe detailed the extent of the injuries he sustained during the collision. Working on the air system inside the Primordial ride building, Thorpe was positioned on a raised scissor lift when a test vehicle unexpectedly approached. Despite efforts to lower the lift in time, Thorpe was unable to evade the collision, leading to the lift tipping over and him being propelled to the ground from a height of about 19-20 feet.

The lawsuit alleges that negligence on the part of the Lagoon Corporation, its parent company, and an engineering firm named Actemium, resulted in Thorpe incurring significant medical expenses, lost wages, and what he claims to be “permanent disfigurement.” The lawsuit also suggests that the accident could have been avoided had proper precautions been taken.

Judson Burton, Thorpe’s attorney, shared insights with ABC 4 news, stating that Thorpe had to undergo multiple surgeries during his month-long stay at McKay-Dee Hospital following the accident. Burton emphasised that the incident was entirely preventable, implying that the responsibility lies with the defendants named in the lawsuit.

In response to the initial complaint filed by Thorpe in August 2024, attorneys representing the Lagoon Corporation refuted most of the allegations levelled against them. They contended that Thorpe had been informed of the testing schedule and was permitted on the first level of the ride with specific guidelines, which they claim he ignored. The legal team for the park declined to provide a comment to PEOPLE regarding the matter due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

The situation highlights the risks associated with amusement park attractions during the construction phase and the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. As the legal battle unfolds between Thorpe and the defendants, the case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of oversight and negligence in ensuring visitor safety at such establishments.

As developments continue in the litigation process, stakeholders await further details on the circumstances surrounding the rollercoaster collision and the subsequent claims made by Thorpe. The outcome of this case could potentially have implications for safety regulations and procedures within the amusement park industry, prompting a closer examination of practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the incident involving Steven Thorpe at Lagoon Amusement Park underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and oversight in the construction and operation of theme park attractions. The impact of the collision on Thorpe serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers inherent in such settings and the responsibilities that companies have in ensuring the well-being of their employees and visitors.