Boy decapitated at US theme park

Authorities were investigating reports from witnesses who said the teenager jumped the fences to retrieve a hat he lost while riding the Batman roller coaster, said Cobb County police Sergeant Dana Pierce. Three security guards were keeping visitors away from the ride on Saturday.

Police said the ride was going full-speed when the teenager was struck. The ride's top speed is 80kph, according to the Six Flags website.

No one riding on the roller coaster was injured, Sheth said. The teenager's friend also entered the restricted area but was not injured, Pierce said.

Cobb County fire officials said the boy was decapitated and died instantly when the coaster hit him.

Authorities said the incident happened just after 2:00 p.m. Saturday.  A church group went to the amusement park and a group of boys with the group jumped a fence and entered an area that was marked off limits.

Some witnesses stated that the teen was trying to retrieve something he had lost. Others reported that he was trying to touch the ride. The teen ended up being decapitated.

Investigators did not release the teen's name or the name of the church the he was traveling with.

A 17-year old park visitor scaled two six-foot fences that secured the Batman roller coaster and was struck and killed by the coaster at approximately 2 p.m. today. We do not know why this person was intent on gaining access to this restricted area, as multiple signs clearly state: Danger Zone/Do Not Enter/Authorized Personnel Only.

Some witnesses have stated that the individual was trying to retrieve something he had lost. Others reported that he was trying to touch the ride. This is merely speculation at this point, and we are working with park visitors and local police to learn more. No guests on the ride were injured. The visitor’s family was at the park with him, and Six Flags representatives are currently with the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

One report says the boy jumped and tried to grab someone's feet on Batman The Ride. Riders' feet dangle below the vehicles on Batman.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the police won't say whether or not he was decapitated, and the park's statement did not say that.

The Cobb County Fire and Emergency department said the victim, who was decapitated, was one of a group of males who jumped a fence and entered an area of the park they were not supposed to be in.

No one else was injured, the department said.

Cobb County police Sgt. Dana Pierce said a 911 call came in about 2 p.m. ET.

A Six Flags spokesman said the park would make a statement after assessing the situation.

A boy visiting Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell with a church group was decapitated Saturday after he tried to grab someone's foot while on the Batman ride, MyFOXAtlanta.com reported.