Nearly 30 individuals were left suspended upside down in the air for over 20 minutes after a ride malfunctioned at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon. The incident occurred on Friday at approximately 2:55 p.m., when the AtmosFEAR ride came to a sudden halt, leaving the 28 riders stranded.

Upon discovering the malfunction, park staff promptly initiated emergency procedures and contacted 911 for assistance. Emergency responders arrived around 3:20 p.m., swiftly lowering the ride to enable the stranded guests to safely disembark.

Portland Fire & Rescue confirmed that all riders were medically evaluated following the incident. Out of an abundance of caution, one person with pre-existing medical conditions was transported to the hospital for further assessment, while the remaining riders were released at the park after receiving medical clearance.

According to witnesses Daniel Allen and Jordan Harding, who were at the park celebrating their high school graduation, AtmosFEAR was their first ride of the day. Initially eager and excited, their enthusiasm quickly turned to apprehension when the ride unexpectedly stopped, leaving them suspended upside down.

Harding recounted the panic that ensued among the stranded riders, stating that some were in tears, while others contemplated what they would say as their potential last words. Hanging upside down for an extended period proved physically challenging, with Harding mentioning that her lower body had gone numb.

The AtmosFEAR ride, described as a "showstopping extreme attraction," is one of the park's most popular rides. It features a giant blue and black pendulum that offers guests the choice between a 360-degree swing or a 180-degree swing, as stated on the park's website. The ride had been operating incident-free since its inception in 2021.

In a statement, Oaks Park confirmed that the ride will remain closed until further notice. They pledged to collaborate with the ride's manufacturer and state inspectors to determine the cause behind the malfunction and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Last year, local emergency response teams conducted training exercises at the AtmosFEAR ride, following standard procedures for emergency preparedness. Oaks Park expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the response plan implemented during the incident.

The amusement park remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its visitors. As investigations and inspections continue, Oaks Park will take necessary measures to address any underlying issues and ensure the rides operate reliably and securely.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular safety inspections and emergency response preparedness at amusement parks, highlighting the need for ongoing diligence in ensuring the well-being of park patrons.