'Blood-Curdling Scream': Couple Protects Girl After Seat Belt Malfunction On Roller Coaster

November 5, 2025

A Kansas City couple is being praised for their quick thinking after helping a young girl stay safe during a roller coaster scare at Worlds of Fun.

Cassie Evins / Worlds of Fun

Chris and Cassie Evins were riding the Mamba, the park’s tallest and fastest coaster, on October 11 when they suddenly heard "blood-curdling screams" from the seat behind them.

“I assumed it was her first time on the ride,” Chris told KCTV5, “and then she said, ‘My seatbelt came undone!’”

Realizing the girl’s restraint had completely unlatched, Chris and Cassie immediately reached over to help.

“There was a big gap between her and the lap bar,” Chris said. “I looped my arm underneath it and grabbed her wrist, while my wife pushed down on her legs.”

For the rest of the 205-foot, 72 mph ride, the couple held on tight—literally.

“Seventy-two miles an hour, holding onto somebody. It’s terrifying,” Cassie told KMBC 9 News. Both girls in the back row were crying, but the Evins reassured them, promising they’d make it through safely.

The ride did complete without injury, and the Evins said they’re grateful it ended the way it did.

“My whole thought after the incident was, what if it had been someone else in our seats?” Chris said. “What if it was others, her friends? You know, they could have had a drastically different outcome.”

A Worlds of Fun spokesperson said the park’s safety team immediately closed the ride after receiving the guest report and completed a thorough inspection before reopening it that evening. “The safety of our guests and team members is a top priority,” the spokesperson said. “The ride has undergone a comprehensive safety review, and we’ve implemented modifications requested by the Fire Marshal to ensure it meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards.”

The Evins, who are season pass holders, said they love the park but are taking a break for a while.

Meet the heroes in the video below: