In a dramatic turn of events at a Texas amusement park, eight thrill-seekers found themselves suspended near the peak of a towering roller coaster for over three hours before being rescued by firefighters. The incident unfolded at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier on Thursday, as reported by officials.
The Galveston Police Department received a call at approximately 5:35 p.m. reporting the malfunction of the Iron Shark roller coaster. According to authorities, the ride had come to an unexpected halt, leaving its occupants anxiously suspended in mid-air.
Rescue operations were meticulously carried out by the Galveston Fire Department. Utilizing a ladder truck, firefighters reached the stranded riders and carefully brought them down to safety one at a time, employing safety harnesses during the process. This challenging rescue operation spanned about three and a half hours.
High above the pier, the Iron Shark roller coaster had stalled during its initial climb, stranding the riders and drawing attention to the potential risks of amusement park attractions. This incident echoes a recent event at Six Flags, where guests were left stranded 245 feet in the air due to a power outage.
SIX FLAGS GUESTS STRANDED 245 FEET IN AIR AFTER POWER OUTAGE FORCES COASTER EVACUATION
The Iron Shark roller coaster malfunctioned during its initial ascent, leaving eight riders stranded high above the pier. (FOX 26 Houston)
The malfunction was captured live by local television stations, showing passengers stranded near the top of the ride’s 100-foot vertical lift hill.
The Houston Independent School District confirmed that some of the riders were students participating in a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and Energized for STEM Academy High School, two HISD in-district charter schools, FOX 26 Houston reported.
“We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe. School administration is in direct contact with the families of all students who were on the trip. We are thankful for the rescue efforts of the first responders and park personnel,” the district said in a statement.
STARTLING FOOTAGE FROM AMUSEMENT PARK SHOWS THRILL RIDE HALTED AS GUESTS WAIT IN MIDAIR
Firefighters used a ladder truck and safety harnesses to rescue passengers one by one from the stalled roller coaster. (FOX 26 Houston)
Officials have not said what caused the ride to malfunction.
“The ride experienced a malfunction at its initial ascent,” Pleasure Pier COO Terry Turney said in a statement. “However, as designed, it immediately stopped to keep everyone safe.”
Eight passengers were stranded near the top of the Iron Shark roller coaster for more than three hours after the ride malfunctioned at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. (Galveston Fire Department)
“Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our guests,” Turney continued. “Therefore, we contacted the Fire Department to assist, ensuring all guests were safely removed from the ride.”
Turney said the ride will undergo a thorough inspection before returning to service.
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