SANDUSKY — A long-running roller coaster in northern Ohio is being shut down.

Officials at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky announced Wednesday the WildCat roller coaster will be removed prior to the park's May 12 opening. It's been operating at the park for 33 years and given more than 18 million rides.

Park officials say the roller coaster had increased maintenance costs and low ridership. Materials from the ride will be sent to a recycling facility.

In 2011, the ride left seven with minor injuries after a car continued past a breaking area and crashed into another loaded car at the loading station.

The space will accommodate the park's new expanded area designed for a nighttime show.

Cedar Point will now have 16 roller coasters on site.

First Published May 2, 2012, 9:08 p.m.