Questions Linger About Daytona Roller Coaster Derailment as It's Revealed Ride Was Inspected Hours Before

Operation of the Sand Blaster has been suspended indefinitely.

It was a terrifying scene Thursday as a roller coaster derailed at a Daytona Beach, Fla., amusement park that had actually been inspected earlier in the day. 

The roller coaster has been in operation for 40 years and was looked at by regulators mere hours before the incident. It was found to be "in compliance with state law."

On Friday, people on the busy boardwalk were asking what could have gone wrong as two riders were ejected from the ride, known as the Sand Blaster, and thrown 34 feet to the ground.   

The two passengers in the front car were seen dangling high above the ground, according to Sasha Stanton, Daytona Beach Fire Department. 

"They were still secure in the roller coaster but the cart itself was dangling, they didn’t want the roller coaster cart to fall anymore or for any more passengers to fall off," she said. "So, it was a very time sensitive rescue"

Rescuers scrambled to the scene to save those stuck on the ride, which is considered one of the biggest attractions to the Daytona Beach boardwalk.  

Other riders were rescued by firefighters who carefully used extension ladders to save them. 

"We have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, and anyone who should be held accountable will be held accountable," the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in a statement.

The ride has been shut down indefinitely while the investigation continues.

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