Cedar Point reopens Millennium Force ride after safety inspection

Cedar Point brought its Millennium Force roller coaster back to life Saturday after a small metal bracket fell from one of the ride's cars and landed in a guest area Friday. Maintenance inspections and safety checks cleared the way for operations to resume, with no injuries reported during the incident or since. The ride had been shut down Friday when the bracket became dislodged. Neither guests nor Cedar Point team members were struck by the falling piece.

A spokesperson for Cedar Point told local media that the attraction is running again following successful maintenance inspections and all required safety checks. "The safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority," the statement read.

This reopening occurred just days after a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. That park, operated by the same parent company as Cedar Point, saw 42-year-old Atlanta school employee Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem die Monday after falling from the Goliath coaster. Authorities are investigating what happened. The ride stayed closed even when the park returned to normal operations Friday.

The tragedy at Six Flags Over Georgia prompted temporary closures of 11 coasters across the U.S. and Canada that share the same manufacturer and a similar restraint design, according to The Associated Press. State records reviewed by AP showed Goliath had passed its most recent annual inspection in March. Earlier inspections cited maintenance issues involving parts of the ride's structure, but officials said those violations were corrected.

Cedar Point Park President Colleen Brady addressed the Georgia tragedy in a statement last week. "We are deeply saddened by the recent incident at Six Flags Over Georgia," she said. Her office expressed thoughts and heartfelt condolences with the individual involved, their family, friends and loved ones. They also kept affected guests and team members in their thoughts.

"Our park is open and welcoming guests as scheduled," Brady said. She noted that while efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident continue, the focus remains on supporting those affected and maintaining safe operation of the park and attractions.

Brady explained that Cedar Point rides undergo daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections. Team members receive extensive training to operate and maintain the attractions. "Each year, millions of guests safely enjoy rides and attractions at Six Flags parks," she said. She acknowledged that serious incidents like this are exceedingly rare but stated the company never takes responsibility for its guests for granted. They remain committed to continuously strengthening operations and safety practices.

Cedar Point's Millennium Force faced additional scrutiny earlier this year after riders reported they could no longer fit into the coaster because of shortened seat belts. Cedar Point acknowledged the belts had been shortened and said they would eventually be replaced.

The coaster opened in 2000 as the world's first ride to exceed 300 feet. It features a 300-foot drop and reaches speeds of up to 93 mph.

Cedar Point was also the site of a 2021 incident involving the park's Top Thrill Dragster, when a metal piece fell from the ride and struck Michigan resident Rachel Hawes in the head. Hawes later sued Cedar Point, alleging she suffered a traumatic brain injury. The case settled confidentially in 2024.