30 Riders Stranded Upside Down on Malfunctioning Amusement Park Ride in Portland
ICARO Media Group
Nearly 30 riders were left suspended upside down on the AtmosFEAR ride, an amusement park attraction that malfunctioned on June 14 in Portland, Oregon. The incident occurred at 2:55 p.m when the ride suddenly stopped working at its highest point, according to a statement from Oaks Amusement Park.
The statement revealed that the 28 individuals onboard of the AtmosFEAR were stranded approximately 50 feet in the air for around 30 minutes. During this time, emergency responders and the park's maintenance crew collaborated to ensure the safe retrieval of all passengers. On the ground, the passengers received evaluations from emergency personnel, and Portland Fire & Rescue reported that everyone was deemed "safe" on their Facebook page.
While most individuals escaped without any major issues, one rider with pre-existing medical conditions was transported to the hospital for further evaluation, as a precautionary measure, according to Oaks Amusement Park.
The harrowing experience was shared by two teenagers, Daniel Allen and Jordan Harding, who had boarded the AtmosFEAR to celebrate their high school graduation. Talking to NBC affiliate KGW of Portland, both teens recounted their fear and anxiety as they found themselves hanging in mid-air. The excitement of the ride quickly turned to panic, with passengers crying and even contemplating their last words.
The AtmosFEAR ride, a large pendulum that swings back and forth in the air, had not encountered any incidents since its operation began in 2021, as stated by Oaks Amusement Park. However, due to this unfortunate incident, the ride has been closed until further notice.
In response to the malfunction, Oaks Park Management immediately contacted the manufacturer and is set to collaborate with both the manufacturer and state inspectors to determine the cause of the stoppage, according to the park's statement.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions in amusement parks. As the investigation continues, the park management and authorities will work towards ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Until further updates are provided, visitors to Oaks Amusement Park will have to wait to experience the heart-pumping thrill of the AtmosFEAR ride.