The German manufacturer of the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas is blasting the amusement park.
In a cross-complaint filed in the case involving the death of a Dallas woman, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides said the park is solely to blame for the accident.
On July 19th, Rosy Esparza got on the Texas Giant, and soon after plummeted to her death.
In the new court document, Gerstlauer said, "Six Flags failed to exercise reasonable care in their hiring, training and supervision of the ride operators...on the date of the accident."
Attorney Frank Branson, who represents the Esparza family, said interviews with employees showed that one of the workers operating the ride “had a button that could have stopped and should have stopped the ride,” but that button was not pressed.
The German maker also said Six Flags had a hand in designing the ride. Six Flags has blamed the death on a dangerous, defective ride.
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides said the park “expressly designed and specified in writing that there be no seat belts.”
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Soon after the accident, seat belts were added, and there was a test seat put out, so people could see if they could safely get on the ride. Gerstlauer Amusement Rides said that seat was provided for the park two years prior to the accident, but never used.
Six Flags over Texas responded to the countersuit.
“The manufacturer assured Six Flags that the Texas Giant, without seat belts, was safe for riders. As an additional safety measure, when the ride re-opened in September, we added incremental and overlapping safety measures including re-designed restraint bar pads and new seat belts. The safety of our guests is our number one priority,” said Six Flags over Texas spokesperson Sharon Parker.
