Two Riders Dangling Over 100 Feet After Texas Roller Coaster Malfunction
A harrowing incident unfolded Wednesday night at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, when the Circuit Breaker roller coaster malfunctioned, leaving two riders suspended more than 100 feet in the air for over half an hour. The ride, which is Texas’ first “tilt” roller coaster featuring a 90-degree vertical drop, unexpectedly stopped at the first drop, causing Matthew Cantu, 24, and Nicholas Sanchez, 20, to dangle vertically in their seats.
According to a statement from the Circuit of the Americas, a sensor triggered the ride delay, which was later resolved, allowing the coaster to proceed without further incident. The park expressed regret for the inconvenience, noting that out of approximately 25,000 riders, only two have experienced such an event. Emergency medical services from Austin-Travis County responded promptly to the scene before 10 p.m., evaluating one of the men who declined medical attention.
Family members of the trapped riders reported receiving no clear updates during the ordeal, while witnesses described conflicting explanations from park staff, including claims that the riders “weren’t strapped in currently.” The incident has raised questions about communication protocols during ride malfunctions.
The Circuit Breaker, which opened for preview rides in October and is scheduled for an official opening next year, represents a significant addition to Texas’ amusement offerings. Its innovative tilt mechanism sets it apart, but similar rides have encountered issues elsewhere. For instance, the Siren’s Curse roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio, another tilt coaster, has experienced multiple malfunctions since its debut this summer.
Roller coaster safety is overseen by various regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which tracks amusement ride incidents nationwide. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, detailed on their official government site, responded swiftly to the emergency, underscoring the importance of rapid medical evaluation in such scenarios.
As amusement parks continue to innovate with new ride technologies, incidents like this highlight the challenges of ensuring rider safety and effective communication. The Circuit of the Americas has not reported any injuries resulting from the malfunction. Visitors and safety advocates alike will be watching closely as the park prepares for the coaster’s full launch.
For more information on amusement ride safety standards, the Amusement Safety Organization provides resources and updates on industry best practices.
With the holiday season underway, the incident serves as a reminder for theme parks nationwide to prioritize safety and transparency to maintain public trust and enjoyment.
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