News: Man hit by Magic Mountain roller coaster

Posted at 1:05 AM EDT (0505 GMT)

Aug. 31st, 2008 -- A 20-year-old man was struck by the Ninja roller coaster at the Santa Clarita, California park after entering an area restricted to only authorized personnel.

Officials at the Six Flags Magic Mountain park have provided confirmation that a man was involved in an accident at the California park.

Reports say that the accident happened just after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. According to park officials, the accident occured when the 20-year-old man entered a restricted area after climbing over at least one fence then entering a "visibly restricted area." Soon after entering this restricted space, he was struck by the Ninja roller coaster.

In a released statement, Six Flags noted that "Ninja is surrounded by 6-foot and 7-foot fences that are clearly marked by signs stating the area is restricted to authorized personnel only.”

Park officials have told media that, according to a statement by the man's brother-in-law, he was attempting to retrieve his hat that had fallen off during the course of the ride. He was found by park medical staff within two minutes unconscious but breathing. Soon, he was transported to a local area hospital. At this time, his medical condition is not known.

Stay tuned for further updates as they come available.

For more information, visit KHTS.