The rollercoaster where a Texas woman fell to her death is set to reopen this weekend.
The massive 14 story roller coaster will be reopening at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in Arlington, Texas, two months after Rosa Esparza fell to her death in front of her children and other horrified onlookers.
The park issued a statement yesterday, confirming that they have improved safety measures for the ride. Newly designed bar pads have been added, along with new seat belts fitted to the seats.
The tragic incident happened on July 19, when Esparza fell out of the roller coaster, which is one of the world's steepest rides. She was with her two children, who were hysterical after witnessing their mother fall out.
The family of the victim has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Six Flags for negligence.
The lawsuit states that Esparza's daughter heard her screaming and turned around to see her being thrown out from the car. The victim landed on a metal roof below the ride and died from traumatic injuries. The lawsuit states: "As Rosa Esparza's tragic death starkly illustrates, errors on the part of the Six Flags Defendants turned a thrilling illusion into a nightmarish reality. Customers of the park expect mock scares and delighted screams as they ride the Texas Giant roller-coaster, but they certainly do not expect to be placed in any real danger, whatsoever."
The reopening of the roller coaster has been approved by State officials. The Texas Giant roller coaster originally opened in 1990 as a wooden coaster. In 2011, it underwent a $10 million renovation, and redesigned with a steel track. According to the park's website, it is the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world.
See a video report about the roller coaster death:
