The Do-Dodonpa has been shut down after four passengers claimed to have suffered injuries during the ride. The Japanese attraction reaches a speed of 180 kilometres per hour in 1.56 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating rollercoaster ever.
A press release from Fuji-Q Highland Park says the roller coaster is closed due to “a safety overhaul.” Four passengers are said to have been injured between December 2020 and August 2021. According to the regional government in Yamanashi, where the park is located, it would be fractured in the neck and spine.
“A causal relationship between the injuries and the amusement machines has not been confirmed at this time,” Fuji-Q Highland said. “We would like to express our sincere condolences and apologize for the inconvenience we have caused to the parties involved,” said the attraction’s manufacturer. A reopening date has not been announced for the time being.
According to the news site Insider, there are rumours that the injuries were caused by sitting incorrectly. A 30-year-old woman, who was injured on a ride in December, told a local newspaper she “may have leaned forward” on the rollercoaster. However, the park requires visitors to lean back during the ride.
According to the park’s site, the Do-Dodonpa is 1,244 meters long and 49 meters high. In 2001 the roller coaster reached ‘only’ 172 kilometres per hour. In 2017, that was adjusted to 180 kilometres per hour, Vice reports.