By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster Shut Down Indefinitely After Mid Ride Stoppage
The renowned Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster in New York City has been closed indefinitely following a dramatic mid ride stoppage earlier this week. This incident has cast a spotlight on the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging amusement rides and the stringent safety protocols required to ensure their continued operation.
The Cyclone, a historic wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling riders since 1927, encountered a significant issue on Thursday, August 22. The ride was in the process of ascending its first hill when operators were compelled to halt the coaster due to a malfunctioning chain sprocket in the motor room. This unexpected problem led to the ride coming to a complete stop while still on the ascent, leaving several passengers stranded.
According to a statement from New York City’s Department of Buildings, the quick response of the ride operators was crucial in ensuring passenger safety. The operators were able to stop the ride safely and evacuate the passengers without any reported injuries. The Department of Buildings, which oversees the safety and regulation of amusement rides in the city, was notified of the incident and dispatched inspectors to the scene the following day.
On Friday, August 23, inspectors from the Department of Buildings conducted a thorough review of the Cyclone and issued violations to Luna Park, the operator of the amusement park where the Cyclone is located. The violations were issued for two primary reasons: the damaged chain sprocket and the failure to immediately report the malfunction to the department. These issues have raised concerns about the adherence to safety protocols and the park’s responsibility in maintaining and reporting on ride conditions.
In response to the incident, Luna Park released a statement on their website on Sunday, August 25. The statement assured the public that the Cyclone would remain closed until all necessary repairs are completed and the ride has successfully passed a comprehensive inspection. The park emphasized that safety is their top priority and that the Cyclone undergoes rigorous maintenance and testing daily. This regular maintenance is designed to ensure that the ride remains in safe operational condition and continues to provide a secure experience for its patrons.
Luna Park’s commitment to safety was underscored in their statement, which highlighted the meticulous nature of their maintenance procedures. Despite the Cyclone’s venerable age, the park asserted that the ride is carefully maintained and subjected to thorough testing before the park opens each day and as needed throughout operational hours.
The Cyclone’s closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by amusement parks in maintaining older rides and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. As Luna Park works to address the issues identified and bring the Cyclone back into service, the incident also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring the safety of amusement rides, particularly those with a long history like the Cyclone.
As repairs progress and the ride undergoes inspection, the community and visitors to Coney Island will be watching closely for updates on when the iconic Cyclone will once again welcome riders. The closure not only impacts the park’s operations but also the many fans of the Cyclone who cherish its place in amusement park history.
