The Coaster at Goats on the Roof Shut Down after Accident

State amusement ride regulators ordered the closure of The Coaster at Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge after learning of a serious accident that the ride owners failed to report.

On July 11, 2016, the Amusement Device Unit of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Workplace Regulations and Compliance Division issued an order for The Coaster at Goats on the Roof to cease operation after learning of an incident on July 3 in which a man suffered a broken arm after extending it outside the coaster car during the ride and was transported to a local hospital.

This incident occurred on the same day a woman was thrown from a coaster car while riding the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster.

State law requires that the owner or operator of any amusement device cease operation immediately following any incident involving a serious injury or fatality. They must report the incident to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Workplace Regulation and Compliance Division within 24 hours and secure an inspection from a state certified third party inspector. The company may not resume operation until it gets authorization by the state’s Amusement Device Unit.

“The owner of The Coaster at Goats on the Roof did not report the serious physical injury, as is required by Tennessee state regulations, until after the company was notified by the state to cease and desist,” said Chris Cannon, spokesperson for the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “A visitor who was riding the coaster at the time of the accident saw media coverage of the Gatlinburg incident and contacted TDLWD to inquire about the accident she witnessed. The company now faces a $2,100 penalty for failing to report a serious physical injury in a timely manner.”

The agency said that the company has since cooperated by submitting an accident report and inspection report by a certified third party inspector that found no mechanical issues with the coaster and found the device to be safe and operable.

A POV of The Coaster at Goats on the Roof by Coaster Addict

“Workplace Regulations and Compliance Administrator Kim Y. Jefferson will now work with the company’s owner to determine what remedial measures must take place to help ensure another accident does not occur,” Cannon said. “With two separate incidents involving mountain coasters, on the same day, Administrator Jefferson reminds passengers of these amusement devices to pay close attention to all safety procedures while riding the coasters. Jefferson says it is imperative riders keep their arms and legs inside the car while in motion and riders should make sure they are properly restrained before the car leaves the station.”

The Coaster at Goats on the Roof will remain closed until after those measures have been satisfied.