A Roller Coaster Malfunction Leaves Riders Stranded Over 100 Feet Above Texas Amusement Park
Two riders found themselves stuck over 100 feet above a Texas amusement park when a “tilt” roller coaster malfunctioned, leaving them at a 90-degree angle for nearly an hour before emergency responders rescued them.
Matthew Cantu, 24, and Nicholas Sanchez, 20, were on the “Circuit Breakers” ride at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas sports complex when it suddenly stalled at the first drop, leaving them hanging over the edge Wednesday night.
According to reports, family members of the stranded riders received conflicting explanations from staff, including comments that the riders weren’t strapped in correctly.
The “Circuit Breakers” coaster is a new attraction that takes riders up a steep hill before tilting forward at a 90-degree angle and then plunging down at speeds of up to 60 mph.
A park spokesperson explained that a sensor triggered a delay in the ride, which was resolved before continuing without incident.
After being stuck for 36 minutes, the riders were rescued by emergency responders, with Cantu experiencing lightheadedness and symptoms consistent with blood pooling, while Sanchez reported numbness in his upper leg.
The amusement ride is the first tilt coaster in Texas and had a preview opening in October before its official debut next year.
On the other hand, a tilt roller coaster called “Siren’s Curse” at Cedar Point in Ohio has also faced malfunctions since opening in June, experiencing a power outage on its first day of operation.
