OSHA launches investigation into deadly incident at Silver Dollar City

NEAR BRANSON, Mo. (KY3) - On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into the death of a maintenance employee of Silver Dollar City.

OSHA spokesperson Rhonda Burke provided this information to KY3 News.

The employee was hospitalized July 20 with head injuries allegedly sustained during maintenance and testing of a rollercoaster and died of his blunt force head trauma injuries, July 21.

The investigation will determine how the injuries occurred and if any violations of safety regulations contributed to the injury and subsequent death. OSHA has six months to complete its investigation, issue citations and propose monetary penalties.

The park released this statement to KY3 News Thursday morning.

It is with great sorrow that we share the loss of a Silver Dollar City employee following an incident that occurred while working late yesterday afternoon. He was a dedicated and passionate member of our Silver Dollar City family, having worked in Maintenance and Construction since 2017.

Our prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are unable to provide any further information.

Silver Dollar City is working closely with the proper entities to identify the cause.

Park officials have not released the name of the victim, or where the incident happened. The theme park’s app lists Thunderation as a ride temporarily closed.

The Division of Fire Safety’s Amusement Ride Safety Unit dispatched investigators to the scene on Thursday.

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