STUCK IN A LOOP

Roller Coaster Stalls Mid-Ride With Terrified Riders on Board

Crews needed a ladder truck to reach 18 people after the scary incident.

Eighteen riders were left stranded on a Texas roller coaster on Saturday night until firefighters reached them with a ladder truck. The Texas Tornado, an 80-foot steel coaster that opened in 1985, stalled mid-circuit at Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo, Texas, during the park’s 75th anniversary season. The double-loop ride tops out at 50 mph and carries 20 people across five cars. Amarillo Fire Department said the ride suffered a “mechanical malfunction.” The department sent three engines, its technical rescue team and an aerial ladder. Riders came off the track individually. Amarillo Medical Services checked one person over. Nobody was hurt. The coaster has been shut since. Wonderland said it “will remain closed while we conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause.” The Texas Department of Insurance told the station every ride at the park was inspected on June 17.