News: Superman: Ride of Steel reopens

Posted at 1:14 AM EDT (0514 GMT)

May. 31st, 2004 -- Superman Ride of Steel closed on May 1, 2004 following the death of Stanley Mordarsky, 55, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, who came loose from the restraints and fell to the ground. It reopened May 29.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety issued a report stating Mordarsky was not secured by the lap restraints in part because of his 5 foot 2 inch and 230 pound frame. The investigation also found that Mordarsky should have mentioned he had cerebral palsy. Additionally, the state public safety officials found that the ride operators did not notice that Mordarsky's restraint was "inadequately applied."

According to Ron Sevart, general manager of Six Flags New England, metal bars and shin restraints have been added to the lap restraints to keep riders' legs in position. Also, an added belt attached to the side of the lap restraints will help indicate if someone is too big for the seat safety system.

Guests wearing casts will not be allowed to ride Superman Ride of Steel, park officials said. New signs indicate riders must have "at least two legs and both arms and sufficient body strength" so that the riders can hold on to the grab bar, Sevart said.

For more information regarding the reopening of Superman Ride of Steel, see Boston.com's reports on May 29 and May 30.