ORLANDO, Fla. — In it was a dramatic Thanksgiving evening at Universal Orlando for 24 passengers aboard the popular Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.
The passengers were stranded high in the air when the ride malfunctioned, prompting a response from the Orlando Fire Department’s technical rescue team. The department confirmed that all 24 passengers were safely rescued with no injuries reported.
Sudden Stop Leaves Riders Suspended
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday when the Rip Ride Rockit coaster came to an unexpected halt on a vertical segment of the ride near the peak of the 90 degree first climb. The cause of the stoppage was not immediately clear. The exact height of the track where the stoppage occurred was not known.
Standing at 167 feet at its highest point, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a major attraction at Universal Orlando, known for its unique combination of high-speed thrills and a musical experience, as described on Universal Orlando’s website. The coaster reaches speeds of up to 65 mph and features a unique element where riders select a song to accompany their journey. According to the company’s website, the coaster does not turn passengers upside down at any point in the ride.
The Ride Has A History of Incidents
Despite its popularity, this is not the first incident involving the Rip Ride Rockit. Previous occurrences in 2013 and 2019 also saw riders being rescued after becoming trapped, raising questions about the ride’s safety record. The popular ride was closed for maintenance in August of this year, but there was no indication that the closure was related to a malfunction.
Ride Again In Operation, Cause of Stoppage Not Yet Announced.
The roller coaster was in operation again on Friday morning, but it was unclear if it was carrying guests or undergoing testing. Universal Orlando has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident or the current operational status of the ride.
