A heavily hyped new roller coaster promoted as the world’s first and only “giga dive” ride is facing early scrutiny after a string of reported reliability issues in its opening weeks.
Tormenta Rampaging Run, the towering new attraction at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, has reportedly stopped with passengers onboard multiple times, according to parkgoers sharing their experiences on social media.
The ride opened to the public on July 9 and is designed to hit speeds of up to 87 miles per hour. Standing 309 feet tall and stretching across nearly 4,200 feet of track, it is billed as a “giga dive” coaster — a term that blends “giga coaster,” meaning a ride between 300 and 399 feet high, with “dive coaster,” known for a near-vertical or extremely steep first plunge.
Six Flags has touted Rampaging Run as a record-breaking thrill ride, claiming six world records, including the titles of tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster.
But the excitement surrounding the Texas roller coaster has been tempered by complaints from some visitors, who say the ride has unexpectedly come to a stop before completing its circuit.
One video shared on July 12 appeared to show Tormenta’s trains halted on the track.
Additional footage circulating online has shown what appear to be similar stoppages, including riders descending emergency stairways or being brought back down by elevator.
According to some accounts, the interruptions left guests waiting high above the park in intense heat while employees assessed how to safely proceed.
The Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington has already left randers stranded on several occasions
The attraction, which opened on July 9, reaches up to 87 miles per hour and stands at 309 feet tall with nearly 4,200 feet of track
The Rampaging Run claims to hold six world records, including being the highest, fastest, and longest dive coaster
Ginger Barrett posted on Facebook describing the ‘full on meltdown’ she experienced while stopped at the top of the ride.
‘We get to the very top, 309 feet above the ground, about to plunge down and we stop. And stay stopped.
‘For about 15 minutes before the two teenagers running the ride finally get on the speaker there at the frigging top the world, and tell us, technical difficulties, they’re calling someone to look at it.’
Before it opened the Rampaging Run faced delays, with its opening pushed back almost two weeks during the safety testing and commissioning process.
Facebook user Anne McDade said she lost $536 on a non-refundable hotel room a few days before a July 25 media event she was invited to attend.
‘I’m not upset. As excited as I was, I knew there was still a lot of work happening around the ride and surrounding area.
‘As a photographer, I always want to see a project presented at its absolute best, and this gives the park time to finish those final details and make sure everything is ready.’
Once McDade was finally able to experience the ride she said: ‘You guys! The speed this coaster has just hits you smack in the face – it’s insane!’
The halts have allegedly left riders stranded high above the ground in severe heat as staff determined next steps
Before it opened the Rampaging Run faced delays, with its opening pushed back almost two weeks during the safety testing and commissioning process
Visitors that have been able to experience the ride in its entirety have praised the Rampaging Run for its intensity
Others that have been able to ride the coaster in its entirety have praised it for its intensity.
After waiting an hour in line and an additional 40 minutes due to a technical difficulties shutdown, parkgoer April Phillips said: ‘HO-LY BISCUITS! It was INTENSE and so scary lol the drops had me wanting to vomit.’
The Daily Mail contacted Six Flags Over Texas for comment.
