(Six Flags)
UPPER MARLBORO, Md., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- A teen remains in a medically induced coma after a fight broke out at Six Flags America Saturday night, during the first weekend of Halloween Fright Fest.
Witnesses describe a tense evening in which fights periodically broke out for hours before police were eventually called around 9 p.m. when a huge brawl broke out. Officials at the Prince George's County theme park continue to call the incident, which sent at least two people to the hospital, an "isolated incident."
A 15-year-old DuVal High School student was due to have surgery Monday to relieve swelling in his brain from being punched in the head, but the surgery was canceled when the swelling stabilized, a family representative said. He also has a fractured skull.
"His life is lying in the balance as a result of someone randomly hitting him," said Zina Pierre, a family friend, who said the boy is in isolation to avoid stimulation that could cause further injury. "He was hit blindly by the perpetrators and he was staggering, trying to get up, and some else came along to finish the deed."
People began to call police shortly before 9 p.m., reporting several fights around the entrance to the park and inside.
No arrest have been made, but authorities are considering the possibility the fight was planned or part of some kind of violent game -- a "fight fest."
Witnesses say the park seems to be seriously downplaying the severity of the incident, and said several others were treated for injuries in the aftermath.
In addition to the 15-year-old boy, a female victim was also taken to a hospital and a third person was treated at the scene. But at least one woman told Fox 5 her nephew had a concussion and needed 32 stitches at a hospital, and yet another woman was treated after she was pepper sprayed.
"Reports of a large fight or other serious injuries are completely inaccurate," Havilah R. Ross, marketing and communications manager for Six Flags America.
Later, she said Six Flags is beefing up security for future Fright Fest evenings, which are planned for each weekend through November 2.
"The unacceptable behavior and events that occurred yesterday, acted out by some unsupervised youth, are in no way typical behavior for our park or the surrounding area," a second statement said. "The safety of our guests is our number-one priority and while this was an isolated incident, we are taking steps to make sure it cannot be repeated."
