History’s Most Dangerous Theme Park Rides: Lightning
Conceived by renown roller coaster designer Harry Traver in 1927, the Revere Beach Lightning was one of the most dangerous roller coasters of its day. Lightning was created as the first in a trio of coasters that were meant to provide a jarring ride through sharp turns and sudden inclines all at incredibly exhilarating speeds.
Within the second day of operation, though, the first fatality was recorded on the Lightning and the ride would soon become infamous for shaking its riders so violently that they would experience bruising or life threatening injuries. In this single instance, we can actually thank the Great Depression for saving lives: following Wall Street’s crash, Lightning’s maintenance costs soared as attendance rates plummeted, both of which resulted in an end to the once-fatal storm.