In Ohio, United States, a roller coaster at an amusement park malfunctioned on its opening day, leaving some riders stranded vertically on the track, unable to move.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, June 28 marked the debut of the new attraction “Siren’s Curse” at Cedar Point amusement park in the state of Ohio.
Park spokesperson Tony Clark mentioned that there was a “delay” with “Siren’s Curse” in the afternoon, causing an entire car of riders to be stuck on the track in a vertical position for at least 10 minutes.
As a result, the ride was closed for 25 minutes until all stranded riders were safely rescued before the attraction could reopen to the public. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
Clark stated, “The safety system of this roller coaster functioned as designed, the amusement ride restarted, and guests continued the ride. ‘Siren’s Curse’ reopened shortly after, and all riders safely exited the attraction.”
The iconic feature of “Siren’s Curse” is a 160-foot (49-meter) tall drop, where the roller coaster gradually transitions into a vertical position before plunging passengers down a sloped track.
Throughout the ride, passengers experience 13 moments of weightlessness, known as “airtime moments,” two 360-degree barrel rolls, and thrilling twists and steep drops, all completed within approximately two minutes.
In Greek mythology, Sirens were female sea nymphs who used their enchanting songs to lure sailors to their demise. “Siren’s Curse” theme revolves around sailors being enchanted by the Sirens’ songs. As the roller coaster ascends the drop, the cabin resonates with Siren’s cries and eerie music.
The park has specific regulations for riders of “Siren’s Curse,” including a minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 centimeters), no personal items allowed on board (such as water bottles, wallets, keys, and phones), and passing through a metal detector check.
Before the official opening of “Siren’s Curse,” reporter Mike Holden from WEWS TV personally rode the attraction to experience the heart-pounding journey. A short video captured by the TV station showed Holden screaming along the way as if enduring torture.
On June 28, Cedar Point faced multiple challenges. Apart from the roller coaster malfunction, several facilities had to close due to a power outage at around 8 p.m., with power being restored around 9:45 p.m. The park’s regular closing time is at 10 p.m.
Local authorities reported that a car driver hit a utility pole on Cedar Point Road, causing the power outage at the amusement park.
Clark mentioned that the park resumed normal operations on June 29.