A recent roller coaster malfunction left 18 people stranded above the ground at a Texas amusement park. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to bring them down one at a time.
The Texas Tornado stopped at Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo shortly before the park closed on Saturday, Aug. 1. The incident happened during Wonderland’s 75th anniversary celebration.
All 18 riders were safely removed from the coaster. Amarillo Medical Services evaluated one person, but no serious injuries were reported.
The Amarillo Fire Department blamed the incident on a mechanical malfunction but did not identify the failed component. The Texas Tornado remains closed while the park investigates and completes any necessary repairs.
Firefighters Used an Aerial Ladder to Reach the Riders
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In an official Facebook statement, Wonderland confirmed that the coaster stopped while riders were on board. The park thanked the fire department for helping evacuate everyone safely.
Amarillo ABC affiliate KVII reported that firefighters arrived around 11 p.m. for what was described as a high-angle rescue. Three engines and a ladder truck responded. The department’s Technical Rescue Team coordinated the operation while firefighters positioned the ladder beside the coaster.
The Coaster Was Inspected Before the Season
The Texas Department of Insurance told KVII that the Texas Tornado and Wonderland’s other rides were inspected June 17 before the park opened for the season. The investigation had not determined the cause of the mechanical failure. Wonderland had also not announced when the Texas Tornado might reopen.
The steel coaster opened in 1985 and reaches a height of 80 feet, according to the Roller Coaster DataBase. Its 2,050-foot track includes two vertical loops. Wonderland describes the Texas Tornado as one of its most popular attractions. The first loop reaches 72 feet, while the second stands 52 feet tall, according to the park’s website.