Deadly Storm Hits Kennywood
One person was killed and dozens were injured Friday night at Kennywood Park, where the roof of a building that houses The Whip ride collapsed in an severe storm.
I hadn't heard about this and found it in a news thread.
"WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (AP) - One woman was killed and at least 47 people, many of them children, were taken to area hospitals after a storm packing 80 mph winds tore through a crowded amusement park."
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wtae/20020531/lo/1213371_1.html
From Mr. D. T.
Posted June 3, 2002 at 4:19 PM
We don't have Kennywood on this site, but according to the article, The Whip was one of its oldest flat rides. It started in the early 1900s before relocating at one point, and then moving to its current pavilion in 1995. The 80 mph wind gusts caused its roof to collapse and kill a 30-year-old woman. Our deepest condolences go to her family.
The park was in heavy attendance when the storm hit, causing stampedes to run for safety as trees fell and debris flew through the atmosphere with the high wind gusts. There were a number of injuries of all sorts.
So far, I haven't a clue of other damages done to the park, nor what will happen to the Whip. It may be rebuilt, or get replaced.
From Anonymous
Posted June 4, 2002 at 9:49 AM
My prayers go out to the family of the woman who died in the accident.
Kennywood is such a great old park....
From Anonymous
Posted June 6, 2002 at 6:29 AM
I am so sorry for this loss.
i know its recently.
and i hope all the people injured are recovered.
I saw this on the news the other day, right after I got a call from my family in Pittsburgh. Growing up in that city means summers at Kennywood. This park has been in existence since 1910, I believe. There is so much history there. And while pavillions and rides can be rebuilt, and photos can help us remember history; nothing can bring that woman back to her family. My heartfelt prayers go to them.
From Mr. D. T.
Posted June 6, 2002 at 6:52 PM
LORD, in Your mercy, in the name of Jesus, hear our prayers.
From Anonymous
Posted June 12, 2002 at 10:43 AM
My daughter, my fiance, and my self were underneath the whip when the storm hit and the roof came down. My daughter had staples in her head and my fiance has a broken leg and his bones went out his leg. He just had his 4th surgery which required a muscle & skin graft. We are hoping he can come home soon. It could have been a lot worse and least my family is alive. My prays go out the family of the woman who died.
From Anonymous
Posted August 22, 2002 at 8:20 AM
My family and I went to Kennywood yesterday 8/21/02 and the Whip is still closed and will be for the entire season. I ask attendence if reopening was in the plans for next year and they all seemed to concure yes.
From Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2003 at 9:34 AM
that night i was over my friends house sleeping over her mom was watching the news and we came in rom out side and sat down to watch tv when i hheard that kennywood was hit by a strom that night i wantd to know what happened i still have not been to this park yet but i hope it and its history is still there as for that women i am happy only one person got killed
From Anonymous
Posted September 5, 2003 at 8:22 PM
I was at Kennywood during July of this year, and the Whip was running. I rode it and it appeared to be safe; the operator did all their checks for lap bars. The park has removed the roof over the ride, it is now surrounded by a fence and is in the open.
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