Investigation launched after woman injured on Colorado roller coaster

<p>A 60-year-old woman suffered serious injuries, including a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and dislocated shoulder that required surgery after she was allegedly ejected from her seat on a Colorado roller coaster and dragged along the track, according to reports and a law firm representing her.</p><p>Nicki Parker of Texas was thrown from her seat and dragged for 20 to 30 seconds while remaining strapped into her seat belt as the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort continued its operation, as reported by FOX 31 Denver, citing her attorney.</p><p>Trent Ongert of the Bloch Ongert Injury Law stated, "It was actually wrapped around her and pulled her, and she was dragged along the track as it went down."</p><p>Parker’s husband, who was riding behind her, attempted to assist her. Ongert explained, "She was lying on the track. He then had to get her out because there was nobody, no way to get to her. They’re about 15 to 20 feet off the ground."</p><p>Parker remains hospitalized, according to Ongert.</p><p>A sign posted along the ride indicates that the "cart will stop and beep" if a seat belt is disconnected.</p><p>Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety's Amusement Rides and Devices Program is currently investigating the incident. The agency confirmed, "We can confirm our Division of Oil & Public Safety is investigating an incident that happened on Copper Mountain's Rocky Mountain Coaster on Monday, August 17, 2026. One rider was injured in the incident. The Rocky Mountain Coaster is currently closed while the investigation continues."</p><p>The agency has instructed the manufacturer to publish a safety bulletin and share it with all impacted operators. A similar ride at the Purgatory Resort is also closed pending the investigation's outcome. Documentation regarding the incident will not be made public until the investigation is complete.</p><p>The roller coaster, which is 5,800 feet long and claims to be the "2nd longest alpine coaster in North America," remains closed, as noted on its website. The resort expressed its concern, stating, "Our thoughts are with the guest, and we wish them a speedy recovery."</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to the agency, the resort, and Ongert for further comments.</p>