Summary

TAPE_NUMBER: EN9913 IN_TIME: 11:06:12 LENGTH: 01:02 SOURCES: ABC RESTRICTIONS: No re-use without clearance from ABC FEED: SCRIPT: xfa English/Nat BIRD STRIKES APOLLO'S CHARIOT Long-haired supermodel Fabio suffered a cut on his nose on Tuesday when a bird hit him in the face as he was riding in the front of a new roller coaster. Famous for posing for covers of romance novels, Fabio was at the Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia to help show off the Apollo's Chariot coaster to reporters. The park had promoted the event as "Modern-Day `Adonis' versus Ancient-Day `Sun God.' But the fun for Fabio stopped when he was hit in the nose by a bird while riding the roller coast. He emerged from the ride with blood streaked all over his nose, chin and cheeks. Several women portraying goddesses in white tunics sat near him and also were splattered with blood. The supermodel was treated for the one-inch cut on the bridge of his nose at Williamsburg Community Hospital and released. It is not known whether he need stitches. Witnesses said the bird crashed into Fabio during the first of nine drops. The ride can reach 73 mph and passengers plummet a total of 825 feet, including the first drop of 210 feet. Seats are elevated above the car frame to create a "free-flight" sensation. Fabio did not talk to reporters after he got off the roller coaster. Before the accident, it was all smiles for the model, who has graced the cover of many romance novels, appeared in a music video clip and been interviewed on numerous talk shows. SHOTLIST: LOCATION: WILLIAMSBURG, VA - USA DATE: 30TH MARCH FABIO ON ROLLERCOASTER WITH CUT NOSE ; GVS FABIO AND GIRLS ONB ROLLERCOASTER BEFORE RIDE BEGAN ?