Ten injured in amusement park ride at Knott's Berry Farm

BUENA PARK, Calif. - Ten people were hospitalized Thursday after a rollercoaster accident at a California theme park.

Two rollercoaster cars collided in the station where park guests board the Pony Express at Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County, Fire Authority Capt. Greg McKeown said.

Nine people on the cars and one person who was waiting nearby were injured.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the victims ranged in age from 12 to 60. They suffered minor back and neck injuries, the paper said.

Knott's Berry Farm spokeswoman Jennifer Blazey said the incident occurred at around 8 p.m.

She told the newspaper that the Pony Express "opened in 2008 and has never had any problems."

Blazey confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the accident's cause.

The theme park's website describes the ride as having "riders leave their post with their steed launching them at a speed of 0-38 mph in less than three seconds."

Shea & Shea is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm located in San Jose, California, and has successfully litigated against amusement parks.  The firm has extensive experience in representing individuals and their families in cases involving catastrophic injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury.  Since 1966, Shea & Shea have successfully represented the seriously injured and their families in both state and federal courts.   To learn more, visit us at www.Shea-Shea.com or telephone 888-989-SHEA.