In a Thanksgiving night spectacle at Universal Studios Florida, thrill-seekers experienced an unexpected twist of fate as the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster left riders suspended in a vertical position for nearly an hour.
While the incident caused some tense moments, authorities have confirmed that there were no injuries.
Theme Park Riders Left Suspended Mid-Air
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a prominent attraction at Universal Studios Florida, known for its 167-foot-tall vertical lift, exhilarating twists, turns, and loops. However, on this particular Thursday night, the ride turned into an unintentional extended adventure for a group of riders.
Dennis Malesky, who happened to be at the park during the incident, shared his experience. “We were walking out of the park as it was closing time and saw a group of people taking pictures of the Rip Ride Rockit.
That seemed kind of odd until we looked up and saw the group stuck on the ride,” Malesky explained. He added that, despite the arrival of the Fire Department, there was a noticeable delay in resolving the situation.
Malesky also mentioned that Universal Studios staff evacuated those who did not have friends or family on the stranded ride. As he exited the park, Malesky observed the coaster car finally resuming movement after what felt like an hour.
The incident has left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. Malesky, in particular, expressed his newfound reluctance to try the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in the future.
“This is the only ride in the park I have not done yet, and needless to say, it will probably stay that way,” he stated, highlighting the psychological impact such incidents can have on park-goers’ confidence in amusement rides.
Read more: Wisconsin Christmas Festival Faces Backlash Over Satanic Temple Inclusion
Florida Roller Coaster Mishap Sparks Safety Concerns
A video from the scene captured one woman expressing concern for the stranded riders, stating, “They’re stuck way up there, at the tip. They’re literally on their backs right now.” This perspective offers a glimpse into the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by those witnessing the ordeal.
The lack of immediate communication from the theme park adds an air of mystery to the incident, leaving both park-goers and the public curious about the circumstances surrounding the temporary vertical suspension.
While roller coaster mishaps are relatively rare, they can be harrowing experiences for those involved. The Thanksgiving night incident at Universal Studios Florida serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise even in the most well-established theme parks.
As investigations unfold and Universal Studios addresses the incident, it remains to be seen how this event will impact the reputation of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the overall perception of safety at the popular theme park.
Read more: Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill: Authorities Scramble To Identify Source And Contain Damage
