Coney Island Cyclone shut down indefinitely after mid-ride breakdown
Photo courtesy of Luna Park
The Coney Island Cyclone has been closed indefinitely after a mechanical failure caused the iconic roller coaster to halt mid-ride. While the famous Luna Park coaster ascended to its drop on Thursday, an operator stopped the ride after noticing a damaged chain sprocket in its motor room, as reported by the Associated Press. The nearly century-old attraction is currently undergoing repairs and will reopen once the work is complete and the ride passes an inspection by the city’s Department of Buildings (DOB), according to Luna Park.
DOB inspectors visited the site on Friday and issued the owners of Luna Park violations for the damaged hardware and for failing to immediately notify the department about the incident, according to AP.
“At Luna Park in Coney Island, safety is our number one priority and ride maintenance, and thorough testing happens daily before Luna Park opens and throughout the day as necessary. The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily,” a statement on Luna Park’s website said.
Following the malfunction, all passengers were safely escorted off the ride without any injuries reported.
This isn’t the first time the famed coaster has experienced technical issues. On Luna Park’s opening day in 2015, the Cyclone got stuck just feet away from the highest part of the track after its transmission belt slipped off the drum and caused the car to abruptly stop, according to the New York Times.
The wooden coaster opened in Coney Island on June 26, 1927. During the 1970s, the Cyclone was almost demolished due to a decline in visitors, but a successful campaign saved the amusement ride. The Cyclone became a city landmark in 1988 and later was listed on the New York Register of Historic Places.
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