Two Killed In Roller Coaster Mishap Saturday

Ocean City, NJ -- Two individuals were killed and two others were hurt Saturday evening in a train crash on the Wild Wonder roller coaster at Gilian's Wonderland Pier.

The accident happened at approximately 10:00 p.m., when the roller coaster suddenly malfunctioned sending one car crashing into another killing a 39-year-old women and her 8-year-old daughter. Two other individuals were also injured.

According to reports one of the coasters cars reversed directions on the lift hill. The sliding car fell backwards down the lift hill, rounded a corner at high speed and then crashed into a waiting car.

The two individuals who were killed were seated in the waiting car.

Immediately after the accident the ride and pier were closed early for the evening.

Park officials have not commented on what may have caused the accident, but did say that the roller coaster would remain closed until the conclusion of an investigation.

The State Department of Community Affairs on a yearly basis inspects the Wild Wonder roller coaster like all rides in New Jersey.

The Wild Wonder roller coaster was built by Zamperla and opened at the pier earlier this year on July 1. This 'Wild Mouse' style roller coaster is approximately 35-feet high and features nearly half a dozen four-passenger cars that wind along the 885-feet of track.