Knoebels Amusement Resort - Accident History

Accident History

Three major cases have been reported regarding accidents during the park's recent history, but Knoebels still has a substantial safety record.

In 1999, an attorney representing two girls who sustained injuries while riding the Speed Slide discovered 15 injuries had been reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards in recent years, including six other reports of injuries to riders' genital areas. Both girls underwent emergency surgery. The park was charged with negligence, failure to monitor the amount of force of the water and its effect on riders, failure to fix defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings to riders. Both the plaintiffs fully recovered.

In 2003, a man was seriously injured in a 30-foot fall from the Scenic Skyway chairlift, which had opened two weeks earlier. The man was a member of Selinsgrove Center, a group home for mentally disabled people in Snyder County, and was riding alone. He was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center and made a full recovery. The home was subsequently cited for failing to adequately supervise its residents. Inspectors found no problems with the ride.

On July 6, 2011, a young boy was found face down in the pool, By the time the ambulance arrived, lifeguards performed CPR and were successful at getting a heartbeat and the boy breathing on his own. He died later at the hospital. It was later determined that the child suffered from a pre-existing heart condition that is associated with Noonan Syndrome.

Knoebels shut down their main website that day and placed the following message on the site to state the following: "A tragedy occurred at Knoebels' Crystal Pool early afternoon of July 6th. A young boy was seen under the water. Upon rescue, guards immediately began CPR. Initial reports indicated that he had hit his head. We later learned that no head injury was involved. He was transported by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center. We are deeply saddened to report that the child has passed away. Please join the Knoebel families in placing the child's family and friends in your prayers." The website was restored several days later with a memorial to the boy at the top right of the home page, which had been removed prior to July 22, 2011. It was later clarified in the coroner's report that the boy died of congenital heart failure with no secondary cause.