In a striking display of courage and presence of mind, Missouri couple Chris and Cassie Evins stepped in to help a young girl whose seatbelt had come undone during a ride on the Mamba roller-coaster at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. The incident occurred on October 11, and the couple’s quick reaction may have averted a serious injury or worse.
Incident Details
As the coaster climbed the first hill—which reaches speeds of up to 75 mph—the girl behind Cassie let out what Chris described as a “blood-curdling scream.” Initially assuming it was simply fear, Chris turned to discover that the girl’s seatbelt buckle had come undone and there was a wide gap between her and the lap bar. Recognizing the danger, Chris looped his arm under the lap bar and grabbed the girl’s wrist, while Cassie pushed down on her legs to keep her seated. The couple drew on their familiarity with the ride’s layout as season ticket-holders to anticipate each hill and turn, adjusting their support accordingly.
Aftermath & Safety Response
Following the ride, the park shut down the Mamba for inspection and implemented modifications requested by the Fire Marshal. The Missouri Department of Public Safety confirmed inspections were carried out on both April 25 and October 30. The ride has since reopened after the safety review. The Evinses have stated they will not return to the park with their children until they are confident further safety improvements are in place.
Why This Matters
- The incident highlights how even well-designed thrill rides can pose critical risks if a restraint fails mid-ride.
- It underscores the importance of vigilant oversight at amusement parks and clear protocols for responding to ride-malfunctions.
- It also serves as a heroic example of how fellow riders can play a role in preventing tragedy when a situation goes dangerously wrong.
