A heart-stopping incident at the renowned Hersheypark in Pennsylvania has sent shockwaves through the theme park world, after a viral video captured a rollercoaster car appearing to derail during operation.
The alarming footage, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, shows a car on the classic wooden rollercoaster, The Comet, becoming detached from the train. The rogue vehicle is then seen scraping violently along the tracks, creating a shower of sparks as terrified passengers look on.
A Chilling Spectacle
In the now-viral clip, the detached car is visibly separated from the rest of the train, dragging precariously along the track's spine. The friction generates an alarming spectacle of bright orange sparks, illuminating the night ride and highlighting the potential severity of the malfunction.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud grinding noises and screams from passengers, though miraculously, no injuries have been reported from the Saturday night incident.
Park's Response and Investigation
Hersheypark officials have swiftly launched a full-scale investigation into the mechanical failure. In an official statement, the park confirmed the incident involved "a wheelset becoming disengaged from the ride vehicle" on The Comet.
The ride has been immediately closed indefinitely while engineers and safety inspectors conduct a thorough examination. The park emphasised that guest safety remains their "top priority" and that the ride will not reopen until it is deemed completely safe.
History of The Comet
The Comet is no ordinary ride; it's a piece of American rollercoaster history. First opened in 1946, this wooden out-and-back coaster has thrilled generations of visitors and is considered a landmark attraction at the chocolate-themed park.
This historic significance makes the recent incident particularly concerning for rollercoaster enthusiasts and safety advocates alike, raising questions about maintenance protocols for aging thrill rides.
As investigations continue, the viral video serves as a stark reminder of the complex engineering behind amusement park thrills and the critical importance of relentless safety checks.
