A man was hospitalized with critical head trauma after being struck by the Banshee roller coaster at the Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio.

The 38-year-old man, unnamed by authorities, was hit at 8 p.m. Wednesday while in a restricted area, according to Cincinnati NBC affiliate WLWT. The ride has a maximum speed of 68 mph.

An unnamed witness told Cincinnati ABC affiliate WCPO-TV that the man told a greeter at the roller coaster that he needed to get back on to retrieve something.

After being told that nothing could be done until the coaster closed for the day, the man kept wandering near the ride and eventually went through a restricted gate, unmolested due to the similarity between his clothing and the uniform worn by employees, the witness said.

The victim was taken to UC Health’s West Chester Hospital and then was flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the Mason Police Department told local news outlets.

“The park’s safety and first aid personnel responded immediately to the situation and contacted local emergency responders. … The ride remains closed while local authorities and park personnel conduct an investigation. Kings Island’s focus continues to be on the welfare of the guest and his family,” Kings Island told Cincinnati Fox affiliate WXIX-TV.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Agriculture visited the park Thursday to inspect the Banshee ride.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.