Kings Island theme park dismantles Son of Beast roller coaster

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 that dismantling the ride will take months. Park officials say the 12 acres opened will be used for future expansion.