PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon emergency crews rescued 28 people Friday after they were trapped for about a half-hour upside down on a ride at a century-old amusement park.
Portland Fire and Rescue said on the social platform All riders were evacuated and medically examined, and no injuries were reported.
A rider with a pre-existing health condition was taken to the hospital for further evaluation as a precaution, Oaks Amusement Park said in a statement posted on social media. Doctors released all the other passengers.
The ride, called AtmosFEAR, works like a pendulum, with the ability to tip riders completely upside down.
Gresham native Chris Ryan and his wife were at the park for his birthday. He told The Associated Press in a Facebook post that they were just considering getting on AtmosFEAR when they saw it was stuck and heard people saying, “Oh my God, they’re at the towards “.
They decided to leave because of “the scary situation,” he said. They finally got on the Ferris wheel and heard a loudspeaker announcing that the park was closed and people should evacuate.
When the ride stopped, park staff immediately called 911 and help arrived about 25 minutes later, the park’s statement said. Park maintenance workers were able to return the ride to its unloading position a few minutes after the arrival of first responders.
Portland Fire said about 30 people were on board. The theme park’s statement said there were 28 passengers.
The ride has been in operation since 2021 and has had no previous incidents, the park said. It will remain closed until further notice. The park said it would work with the ride manufacturer and state inspectors to determine the cause of the shutdown.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders and our staff for taking quick action, leading to a positive outcome today, as well as to the rest of the park visitors who quickly followed instructions to leave the park to make room for emergency responders. to take care of the situation,” he said.
Oaks Park opened in 1905. Its website says it offers a “uniquely Portland blend of modern thrills and turn-of-the-century charm on a middle road that has delighted generations of Northwest residents “.