Ohio theme park begins taking Son of Beast apart

MASON, Ohio (AP) — The work of taking apart the Son of Beast roller coaster has begun at Kings Island, more than a decade after it opened.

Billed as the world's tallest and fastest wooden coaster and with a signature loop in 2000, the ride was idled repeatedly at the southwest Ohio theme park. It closed for nearly a year for reconstruction after a 2006 accident injured more than two dozen people. It closed again after a woman reported being hurt in 2009. Park officials considered options, then decided to give up on the ride.

Its track rose to a 218-foot peak with trains reaching speeds of 78 mph.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports (http://bit.ly/UA35Wh ) that dismantling the ride will take months. Park officials say the 12 acres opened will be used for future expansion.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com