Court filing describes girl's horror at amusement park after feet were severed

The Superman Tower of Power ride rises above the entrance to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

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Story Published: Jan 31, 2008 at 7:36 AM PST

By Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A teenager whose feet were severed last summer in an amusement park ride accident said in a court filing she remembers cables whipping against her body, a burning odor, and a fear that she might not survive.

Kaitlyn Lasitter, then 13, said she felt like her whole body was hot and on fire.

"I remember smoke and the smell of burning," she said. "I felt like I was going to die."

She didn't realize at first that her feet were severed when a cable snapped on the Superman Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

Kaitlyn described intense pain and a "rank, horrible smell."

"I don't think at the time that I knew it was from my skin," she said. "It's like something you will smell once, and if you think about it, you'll remember it for the rest of your life."

Kaitlyn and her mother, Monique Lasitter, gave accounts of what happened on June 21 in court documents filed Wednesday in a lawsuit against the amusement park.

Kaitlyn and her parents claim the park failed to maintain the equipment and to ensure riders' safety.

In court filings, the amusement park has denied liability. Carolyn McLean, a spokeswoman for Kentucky Kingdom, declined to comment on the statements because the lawsuit is ongoing.

"The case is still being actively investigated," McLean said.

The ride was immediately shut down, and has since been dismantled.

Kaitlyn, now 14, said her recovery has been slow and painful. Doctors were able to reattach her right foot, but not her left.

Archive: Girl takes first steps since losing her feet on amusement park ride

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