10 of the Most Dangerous Theme Parks That Should Be Shut Down

Take a look into the dark side of amusement parks with our list of 10 terrifying theme parks that have faced tragic incidents and safety concerns. From Action Park to Adventureland, discover the chilling histories that make these parks notorious.

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As summer approaches, theme park thrills are on everyone’s mind, but not all parks are pure fun and games. Some parks have a history that’s more terrifying than exciting, with dangerous attractions and tragic incidents that have left many questioning their safety. Here’s a closer look at ten parks that have gained a notorious reputation for accidents, prompting some to wonder if they should still be open.

10. Lambeth Country Show: A Ride Gone Wrong

Image: Evening Standard

The Lambeth Country Show in London made headlines when a fairground ride malfunctioned, injuring four people. The chaotic scene saw riders thrown into the air, leaving bystanders in shock. Luckily, none of the injuries were life-threatening, but the incident highlighted the risks of temporary rides at fairs and carnivals.

With the ride’s collapse still under investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of attractions that are set up and taken down frequently.

9. Kings Island: A Haunted History

Image: Tripadvisor

Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, is known for its roller coasters, but it also has a darker side. On June 9, 1991, a tragic series of events left two people electrocuted in a park pond, while a third died later that day after being flung from a ride. These incidents have fueled rumors that the park is haunted, with many claiming to have seen ghostly figures wandering the grounds.

While Kings Island is still operational, its eerie past remains a cautionary tale about the importance of safety regulations in amusement parks.

8. Schlitterbahn Waterpark: A Tragic Oversight

Image: Barksdale Life

In 2016, a young boy lost his life on a water slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, highlighting the dangers of rushing construction for the sake of publicity. The slide, built for a reality TV show, lacked proper safety oversight and was responsible for a fatal accident involving a collision with a pole supporting a safety net.

This tragedy revealed Kansas’s lax safety laws for amusement parks, and the heartbreaking incident stands as a reminder of the need for strict regulations when it comes to thrill rides.

7. Six Flags Over Georgia: Negligence and Tragedy

Image: Six Flags

Six Flags Over Georgia has had its share of tragedy, with two particularly devastating incidents tied to negligence. In 2008, a man was beheaded after climbing over safety fences to retrieve his hat near the Batman ride. This came after a similar accident in 2002, where a worker was struck by a rider’s leg while cleaning the area.

Despite these incidents, the park remains open, though its safety record has left many questioning the effectiveness of the park’s safety protocols.

6. Adventureland: A Legacy of Tragedy

Image: Adventureland Resort

In Altoona, Iowa, Adventureland has faced its own string of unfortunate events, leading to a change in ownership. From a fatal accident in 2016 to a tragic death on the Raging River ride in 2021, the park has been under heavy scrutiny. These tragedies ultimately forced new management to promise better safety practices moving forward.

While Adventureland remains open, its past serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when safety takes a backseat.

5. Luna Park: A Historic Yet Deadly Ride

Image: LinkedIn

At Luna Park in Coney Island, the Cyclone roller coaster has been thrilling visitors since 1927. However, its long history isn’t without dark moments. At least three deaths have been linked to the ride, including a 1985 incident where a man stood up mid-ride and struck his head on a crossbeam.

Despite its historical significance, the Cyclone’s checkered past continues to raise concerns about the safety of older rides, even as it remains a beloved Coney Island attraction.

4. Walt Disney World: The Dark Side of the Magic

Image: Walt Disney World

While Walt Disney World in Orlando is often dubbed “the happiest place on Earth,” it has also been the site of numerous tragedies. Over the years, around 60 deaths have occurred at the park, many of them due to natural causes, but some linked to ride accidents.

While Disney has faced lawsuits and out-of-court settlements, these incidents remind visitors that even in the most magical of places, accidents can and do happen.

3. Fun Fair of Coney Beach: A Troubling History

Image: Coney Beach

Located in South Wales, the Fun Fair of Coney Beach has seen its fair share of troubling incidents, including the death of a young man in 1994 after a water ride accident. The park’s history also includes hiring a registered offender in 2004, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about the park’s oversight and safety.

Despite its dark history, the park remains open, though its reputation for accidents leaves a cloud over its attractions.

2. Six Flags Ride of Steel: A Notorious Track Record

Image: Six Flags

The Six Flags Ride of Steel has been involved in multiple incidents over the years. In 2011, a disabled Iraq war veteran was thrown from the ride and tragically killed, sparking a closer look at the ride’s safety protocols. Earlier, in 1999, another passenger was ejected but survived.

Despite these incidents, the ride continues to operate, though it remains a reminder of the importance of strict safety standards for thrill rides.

1. Action Park: The Most Dangerous Park

Image: Northjersey

Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, earned the nickname “Class Action Park” for a reason. This place became infamous for its poorly designed attractions, with the Cannonball Loop water slide being one of the worst offenders. Imagine a slide so dangerous that crash test dummies came out dismembered during testing—that’s the kind of risk visitors took. Unfortunately, many ignored the warning signs, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities.

Another notorious area for accidents was the park’s wave pool, ominously dubbed the “grave pool,” where lifeguards were tasked with an average of 30 rescues per day. With several drownings and inadequate safety measures, it’s no wonder Action Park eventually closed—the only park on our list to actually be closed down. But not before earning its infamous title as one of the most dangerous amusement parks of all time.

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