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BRANSON, Mo. — An operator responsible for ensuring safety aboard the Shepherd of the Hills Copperhead Mountain Coaster may have been under the influence of marijuana when two riders suffered severe injuries, as revealed by recent investigations conducted by KOLR 10.
Two injured after falling off mountain coaster at Shepherd of the Hills
Documentation from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety’s Amusement Ride Safety Unit revealed that there was a sudden change in staff just before the incident occurred, during which two Texas women fell, sustaining life-threatening injuries requiring extensive medical procedures.
Federal lawsuit initiated
Kinda Renfro and Debra Rhodes have filed a federal lawsuit against Shepherd of the Hills, seeking $50 million in damages after alleging the company failed to ensure their safety during the ride on November 1, 2024.
Two women injured on Shepherd of the Hills ride file federal lawsuit
Incident reports indicate that the two women, both aged 54, fell from the coaster shortly after it launched. The lawsuit details their injuries, which include head trauma, spinal damage, and multiple fractures.
Details from the investigation
KOLR 10 Investigates has obtained a full examination revealing critical insights into the personnel involved in the riders’ safety on that fateful night.
The 26-year-old operator, who generally managed a ropes course, took over responsibilities at the mountain coaster without sufficient training or familiarity with its safety protocols. His statements to state investigators indicated that he visually checked the seatbelts but did not properly secure them before dispatching the ride.
Following the incident, a drug test performed on him the next day indicated the potential presence of THC, suggesting he may have been impaired during his duty.
Implications of marijuana use at work
Sarah Mullen, an attorney at Lewis Rice in St. Louis, noted, “Being under the influence in a manner that affects performance can lead to termination. However, existing marijuana testing methods may not clearly demonstrate impairment at the time of the incident. A positive result does not conclusively reflect present influence.”
Mullen has been analyzing the consequences of Missouri’s marijuana legalization on employers. She anticipates that the positive drug test will become a focal point in the upcoming legal proceedings.
“While I’m not involved in this specific case, it’s likely that the plaintiffs will leverage the test results as evidence of impairment, whereas the employer’s side may argue that the results do not explicitly correlate with impairment,” she stated.
Ultimately, the investigation concluded that the specific cause of the women’s injuries could not be definitively identified due to the absence of video surveillance at the site. It was also mentioned that Renfro and Rhodes may have flouted the ride’s policies by using mobile phones while on board.
Mandatory adjustments for the Copperhead Mountain Coaster
To allow the ride to recommence operations, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety mandated a series of measures on November 12, 2024, including:
– Installation of cameras as per manufacturer requirements
– Comprehensive training for all ride operators as dictated by the manufacturer
– Accessibility of the emergency stop at the observation station for operators
– Posting of Passenger/Rider Responsibility Rules
– Regular inspections documented monthly, semi-annually, and yearly
A representative from the Amusement Ride Safety Unit reported that a spot inspection conducted on November 25, 2024, permitted the Copperhead Mountain Coaster to resume its operations.
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Source
www.yahoo.com