People want changes after iPhone goes flying off coaster at Canada's Wonderland
People are calling for metal detectors and stricter loose-item rules at Canada's Wonderland after a park guest claims an iPhone flew off Leviathan and nearly struck them.
The latest incident has reignited debate among park-goers over whether the amusement park should crack down on carrying phones and other personal belongings on its biggest rides, since wearing pants with zippered pockets or stowing your belongings in the bins provided before mounting the rides is not, it seems, an effective tactic.
According to a recent Instagram post, a visitor said a phone flew out of a rider's pocket while Leviathan was in motion, landing just steps away as they paused to take photos.
While no injuries were reported, many commenters have since taken to the reel's comments section, saying the incident highlights the dangers of unsecured items becoming high-speed projectiles.
The story quickly sparked calls for Canada's Wonderland to introduce metal detectors at more attractions and even completely ban riders from carrying phones, wallets, and other loose articles onto major roller coasters.
One user pointed out the potentially dire consequences of flying objects at such high speeds: "The momentum a phone has after launching at the coaster's velocity, plus the acceleration of Earth's gravity, can potentially kill someone. This is when roller coasters become deadly, even for bystanders."
Others are urging the park to install more metal detectors throughout the grounds, citing AlpenFury, the park's newest record-breaking roller coaster, where guests are required to pass through a machine before boarding: "They need to scan and press people about loose articles the way they do on AlpenFury for any ride that goes near the paths."
The system is designed to ensure nothing could fall out during the ride. For what it's worth, there is also signage posted throughout the park warning guests to empty their pockets before boarding certain attractions.
Still, some coaster enthusiasts argue that metal detectors should be expanded to include rides like Leviathan, Yukon Striker, and Behemoth, which run alongside paths with heavier foot traffic.
Others noted that similar policies are already standard at several major North American theme parks, including Universal Studios, where metal detectors are used for high-intensity roller coasters, insinuating that Canada's Wonderland should follow suit.
"Safety is a cornerstone of our business, and we have zero tolerance for inappropriate and unsafe behaviour. Loose articles are prohibited on the majority of our rides and guests who violate our Code of Conduct are not welcome in our park," a spokesperson for Canada's Wonderland tells blogTO.
This isn't the first time safety protocols have been questioned at Canada's Wonderland this summer: recently, a young rider was seen with an unbuckled seatbelt in his hand just before the harrowing 100-metre drop on Leviathan, an incident that created quite the buzz online.
Although the park did not comment on whether it plans to expand enhanced screening measures to more of its biggest rides, many guests hope metal detectors will become the norm in the near future.
@coaster_surya
