Roller Coaster Accident at Knott's Berry Farm

8:15 pm.  The Orange County Fire Authority is responding to Knott's Berry Farm for an accident involving one of their rides.  Reports are two cars collided on one of the roller coasters. KTLA is now reporting it as the Pony Express Roller Coaster (there's promotional video of the coaster here).  Apparently the accident occurred in the loading area.

According to later reports one train was climbing the first hill, released before it reached the top and slid back and hit a train that was loading in the station.

On scene engines are reporting 10 patients with neck and back injuries.  Everyone's been extricated from the ride and all patients are described as "mild" status.  So far six ambulances have been dispatched along with numerous paramedic and engine companies.  They've declared a Multiple Casualty Incident.  Age ranges for injured now reported as 12-60.

Western Avenue has been shut down behind the park so they can use the street for ambulance staging.  Patients are being sent to several local hospitals.

Knott's is in the middle of their Knott's Scary Farm Halloween event when the park is jammed with people.

Listening to the incident on the OCFA radio it's clear these guys are well trained.  You'd almost think this was a drill based on the calm command instructions from the incident commander and the various engine companies that are treating the injured.

8:57 pm - Most patients are on their way to the hospital.  Some fire crews now being released.

8:58 pm  - News finally hits the Breaking News wire.  I scooped them by almost 45 minutes.  OC Register still doesn't have anything on their website.

9:06 pm - Last patient is on the way to West Anaheim hospital.  Operations terminated.  Now the investigation begins.

9:17 pm - All fire engines released.

9:45 pm - The reporters at the OC Register must be asleep. Still no story on their website.

10:04 pm - OC Register finally has a story up.