Cedar Point closes Millennium Force after part falls, following similar incidents
Sandusky, Ohio — Cedar Point’s Millennium Force roller coaster is closed indefinitely after a metal component fell from a ride vehicle into an area accessible to guests, marking the latest in a series of incidents involving detached ride parts at the Ohio amusement park.
A bracket detached from the roller coaster Friday, prompting a shutdown and state inspection. No injuries were reported.
Cedar Point has experienced other incidents involving falling ride components, including one that seriously injured a guest.
Cedar Point is part of Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which was formed in 2024 through the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair.
Cedar Point confirms Millennium Force closure
Cedar Point confirmed Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, that a small bracket became dislodged from a Millennium Force ride vehicle and landed in an area accessible to guests.
Photo courtesy of Cedar Point
No guests or employees were struck, and no injuries were reported. The roller coaster was immediately shut down and will remain closed pending an internal review and additional inspection by state officials.
According to Cleveland 19 News, Six Flags spokesperson Sara Gordon confirmed that a small bracket became dislodged from a Millennium Force ride vehicle and landed in a guest area.
“A small bracket became dislodged from a Millennium Force ride vehicle and landed in a guest area. No guests or associates were struck, and no injuries were reported. The ride was immediately shut down and will remain closed until it has been cleared by park officials and state inspectors.”
Other Cedar Point roller coasters have experienced similar incidents
Friday’s Millennium Force closure follows two other incidents involving metal components detaching from roller coasters at Cedar Point.
On June 21, 2026, a metal washer detached from the lift mechanism of Magnum XL-200. A guest reported that the object narrowly missed her head. Cedar Point confirmed the detached component and temporarily closed the roller coaster for inspection before reopening it. No injuries were reported.
A more serious incident occurred Aug. 15, 2021, when a metal bracket detached from a Top Thrill Dragster ride vehicle and struck Rachel Hawes, who was waiting in line. She suffered a serious brain injury.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture completed its investigation in February 2022, finding insufficient evidence that Cedar Point had violated state amusement ride safety laws. The agency did not recommend administrative action against the park.
Top Thrill Dragster never reopened in its original form. Cedar Point subsequently transformed the attraction into Top Thrill 2, which debuted in 2024, but closed after eight days due to mechanical modifications. It reopened on May 3, 2025.
No connection has been established between these previous incidents and Friday’s Millennium Force closure.
What happens before Millennium Force can reopen?
Millennium Force will remain closed pending an internal review and an additional state inspection, according to Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
Ohio’s amusement ride safety regulations require annual inspections and provide for additional inspections under certain circumstances. The Ohio Department of Agriculture oversees amusement ride inspections in the state.
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