Japan has put an end to the heart-stopping 'bone-breaking' rollercoaster in a bid to prevent further injuries. The once lightning-fast ride, clocking in at 111 miles per hour a mere 1.56 seconds after takeoff, faced a halt due to the intense G forces it exerted on riders.
Closure of Fuji-Q Highland's Do-Dodanpa Ride
Fuji-Q Highland theme park, home to the famed Do-Dodanpa ride, has officially announced its closure following safety concerns. The rollercoaster had been under scrutiny since August 2021 when reports of multiple injuries surfaced, prompting intervention from the transport ministry.
Despite efforts to upgrade and address safety issues, the theme park ultimately decided to shut down the ride after failing to find a viable solution in consultation with its manufacturer.
In 2007, the ride experienced its first documented injury when a plastic component detached, striking a rider's leg and resulting in minor harm. However, incidents escalated following the ride's upgrade in 2017.
From December 2020 to August 2021, a total of 18 riders reported injuries, including nine cases of fractures in the neck and chest areas. The heightened risk of injury is attributed to the intense G-forces encountered by riders immediately after launch.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post, riders endure forces of 3.75G, surpassing those experienced by astronauts during space launches and slightly below the 4G experienced by fighter pilots during aircraft carrier takeoffs.
The operating company released a statement acknowledging the inherent challenge in completely mitigating the risk of injury, citing limitations like running the roller coaster backward or halting mid-ride.
The decision to cease operations of the ride was finalized this month in a move to uphold safety standards and fulfill its societal responsibilities.
Officials expressed regret and apologized to riders who advocated for the roller coaster's reopening. Criticism flooded social media platforms, with users expressing disappointment over the decision.
Many lamented that injuries occurred due to some individuals failing to adhere to safety protocols, resulting in the deprivation of enjoyment for those who followed the rules.
Do-Dodanpa's Journey from Inception to Closure
Having debuted over two decades ago in 2001, the Do-Dodanpa quickly gained fame as the world's fastest rollercoaster. Its thrilling launch catapulted riders to speeds of 106 miles per hour (170 km/h) in just 1.8 seconds, cementing its status as a must-ride attraction.
The ride derives its name from the rhythmic sound of drums that sets the tone at the onset of the experience. Once passengers are settled in, the ride cars traverse a lengthy tunnel reminiscent of a gun barrel, accompanied by the steady thumping of a heartbeat in the background.
As the ride's commencement draws near, the heartbeat intensifies, building anticipation until a voice announces "Launch Time" and initiates a three-second countdown.
Moments later, propelled by compressed air, the rider cars catapult to speeds of 111 miles per hour, embarking on a journey that includes a gentle dip, a sweeping curve, and a dramatic vertical loop, followed by a subtle leftward turn and a leisurely U-turn.
Following the exhilarating journey, the cars swiftly slowed, returning to the ride's initial point. Spanning just over 4,000 feet (1,244 meters) in length, the ride track was traversed in a mere 55 seconds.
