Japan’s Do-Dodonpa Rollercoaster Halts Operation After Multiple Passengers Break Bones

Japan’s Do-Dodonpa rollercoaster has stopped operating after multiple reports of injury on the ride.

The Do-Dodonpa coaster is part of Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, which is in the Fuji Five Lake region of Japan, near Mount Fuji. Do-Dodonpa is the fastest-accelerating coaster in the world, able to go from 0 to 112 miles per hour in 1.5 seconds. It also has the largest loop of any roller coaster in the world. The coaster was first unveiled in 2001 and was altered in 2017 to increase the maximum speed from around 106 miles per hour to the current 112.

The closure took place due to four reports of broken bones that were reportedly sustained while riding the rollercoaster. Those injured are reportedly between the ages of 30-50. The theme park suspended the ride on August 12, and an investigation is currently underway.

“At our attraction “Do Do Donpa,” a total of four injuries have been reported by passengers who boarded between December 2020 and August 2021. Currently, the causal relationship between injuries and amusement machines has not yet been confirmed,” read a statement from Fuji Q Highland. “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the injured customers… we will endeavor to investigate the cause under the guidance of the government.”

Fuji-Q Highland recently reopened outdoor attractions after a complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.