July 3, 2008

AUSTELL, Ga. (AP) -- Six Flags Over Georgia has reopened the popular roller coaster ride that hit and killed a South Carolina teenager, but state officials have told the amusement park to make changes.

The Batman ride reopened Wednesday following the Saturday accident. State officials gave the approval for the ride to reopen after inspectors went over the site where Asia LeeShawn Ferguson IV of Columbia, S.C., died. Police say the 17-year-old scaled two fences and wandered into a restricted area where he was decapitated by the roller coaster.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says the park met all safety standards but the state has issued new requirements.

Within 10 days of the ride's reopening, the park must increase the number and size of warning signs. Thurmond says the message on the signs should include "extreme danger."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)