David Muir viewers 'done' as ABC show halted for shocking update amid host shakeup
Saturday's episode of ABC World News Tonight saw David Muir take on weekend hosting duties, replacing Whit Johnson, as he shared an update about a horror roller coaster ride
ABC viewers were left terrified as news anchor David Muir shared a shocking update after a child's seatbelt became unlatched on a roller coaster.
Last month, couple Chris and Cassie Evins were riding the Mamba roller coaster in Kansas City, Missouri, when they heard screams coming from the seat behind them. After turning around, they noticed a young girl's seatbelt had come undone and instinctively grabbed hold of her to keep her safe.
The 51-year-old journalist shared the news as he hosted the Saturday edition of World News Tonight, which is usually anchored by Whit Johnson. Muir began, "A roller coaster scare here in the US. Two adult riders say a girl's seatbelt came undone and that they had to hold onto her as that ride reached speeds of up to 75mph."
Muir then handed over to ABC correspondent Morgan Norwood to provide viewers with more details. Footage from the roller coaster played as Norwood said, "Tonight, terrifying moments playing out close to 205 feet in the air after riders say a child's seatbelt became unlatched on the Mamba roller coaster in Kansas City, Missouri." A picture was shown of the Evins' trying to hold on to the young girl.
Cassie Evins spoke to ABC about the incident as she said, "The first drop halfway through the hill," before becoming visibly upset. She continued, "I'm sorry this is really emotional because this little girl, the scream that she scrempt, I have never heard anything like that before in my entire life."
Norwood explained how Cassie and Chris had been riding the Mamba at the Worlds of Fun theme park on October 11 when they heard the young girl's screams. Chris recalled, "She said, 'My seatbelt came off,'" as he said there was a huge gap between the child and the lap bar.
Norwood continued, "The Mamba, the park's tallest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 75mph. The two quickly clutching both the girl and her friend until the end of the three-minute ride."
After the horror incident, Chris and Cassie reported what happened to a ride attendant. Norwood shared an update as she told ABC viewers, "Tonight, a representative from Six Flags, the parent company of Worlds of Fun theme park telling ABC News the park was closed briefly on Thursday while officials inspected the ride."
Six Flags told the broadcaster 18 seatbelts were replaced "out of an abundance of caution." The Missouri Department of Public Safety said more than 20 lap belts were not functioning properly when inspected that morning, Norwood reported.
Reporting live, the journalist shared, "David, the theme park says the safety of its guest and team members is a top priority, adding the ride underwent a comprehensive safety review before it opened to its guests last night."
A clip from the news broadcast was shared on Instagram with the caption, "Terrifying moments played out close to 205 feet midair after riders said a child's seatbelt became unlatched on the Mamba roller coaster in Kansas City, MO. An image appears to show a couple holding down the young girl on the ride. Morgan Norwood reports."
Viewers flocked to the comments to share their horror after watching the roller coaster incident. "Annnnnnd yet another reason why I am done with amusement park rides as an adult! Glad I enjoyed them as a kid!" one person shared.
Another commented, "The girls had them as angels. Thank god," as a third viewer pointed out, "The park replaced 18 seatbelts but state officials reported 20+ not functioning…but park still reopened last night. Interesting."