Dozens of adrenaline junkies got more excitement than they bargained for when Knott's Berry Farm's HangTime roller coaster ground to an unexpected halt on Thursday, leaving passengers suspended upside down 150 feet above the ground.
The heart-stopping incident occurred around 3:15 pm local time when the steel coaster's safety systems automatically activated due to a "mechanical issue," according to park officials. For twenty agonizing minutes, terrified riders dangled at a 45-degree angle while emergency crews scrambled to respond.
Dramatic Rescue Operation
Orange County Fire Authority teams arrived swiftly at the Buena Park theme park, implementing a careful evacuation procedure. Park employees and firefighters worked in tandem to manually lower the stranded passengers one by one using a specialized lift system.
"All riders were safely evacuated within about 20 minutes," a Knott's Berry Farm spokesperson confirmed. "While understandably shaken, no injuries were reported."
Investigation Underway
The popular dive coaster, which features a beyond-vertical 96-degree drop, remains closed as engineers conduct a thorough inspection. California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched an investigation into the malfunction.
This marks the second high-profile incident at the park this year, following a similar stoppage on the Silver Bullet roller coaster in February. Theme park safety experts emphasize that while such events appear terrifying, modern coasters are designed with multiple redundant safety systems.
Knott's Berry Farm has offered affected guests complimentary tickets and counseling services. The 100-year-old amusement park, originally founded as a berry stand, attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually to its collection of thrill rides and family attractions.
