Oaks Park Ride Stops Mid-Operation Guests Safely Evacuated

17.06.2024 - 22:03 / travelpulse.com / North America / Rich Thomaselli

Whether they live five minutes away or are tourists on vacation, people love amusement parks. They just don’t expect their lives to be hanging in the balance when they visit one. 

But that’s exactly what happened at a Portland, Oregon, amusement park and on a ride called AtmosFEAR. The ride malfunctioned and simply stopped, stranding more than two dozen riders hanging upside down until they could be rescued.

The incident happened at an amusement park called Oaks Park. Portland firefighters brought all 28 suspended riders to safety.

"One rider with pre-existing medical conditions was transported to the hospital for further evaluation, out of an abundance of caution," Oaks Park said. 

"I was excited to go on," teenager Daniel Allen said. "When you get stuck up there, I don't think you're so excited anymore."

The ride is like a pendulum and is designed to stop, but only for a few seconds. Oaks Park said the ride has been opened for three years, and this is the first time it has malfunctioned.

The park was closed for a day, and the ride itself has been shut down indefinitely until state inspectors can get a look. Anyone who had their visit cut short will be fully refunded.

Oaks Park said, "We wish to express our deepest appreciation to the first responders and our staff for taking prompt action, leading to a positive outcome today, and to the rest of the park guests who swiftly followed directions to vacate the park to make way for the emergency responders to attend to the situation. Most of all, we are thankful that the riders are safe and with their families."

Thrill rides are a big attraction, so much so that even cruise lines are getting in on the action.

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