Galveston Roller Coaster Strands Riders Mid-Air for Over Two Hours After Sudden Malfunction
GALVESTON, Texas – A mechanical failure on a popular roller coaster at a Galveston amusement park has stranded dozens of riders on Friday afternoon for more than two hours. According to officials from the park, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on the Galveston Roller Coaster, a ride known for its high-speed loops and vertical drops. Emergency services responded to the scene after park staff reported that the coaster’s lift chain mechanism had unexpectedly seized, halting the train approximately 80 feet above the ground on the initial ascent hill. Fire department personnel utilized an aerial ladder truck to safely evacuate 24 passengers one by one, with the last rider being brought to solid ground just before 5:00 PM. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the malfunction remains under investigation by park engineers and local safety regulators. The Galveston Roller Coaster, a landmark attraction since its opening in 2010, remains closed until further notice pending a full structural and mechanical inspection.