Six Flags Theme Park in Mexico City, thrill-seekers on the “Star Flyer” ride found themselves in an unexpected and terrifying situation.
As they were enjoying the view from a height of over 240 feet, bad weather suddenly rolled in. Heavy rain, dense fog, and strong winds swept through the park, forcing ride operators to halt the attraction immediately for safety.
Dangling in the Storm
The riders were left suspended in midair, dangling precariously in their open chairs for nearly 25 minutes. What began as a thrilling experience quickly turned into a nerve-wracking ordeal as the storm intensified around them.
Videos captured the anxious faces of riders as they clung to their seats, clearly shaken. “It felt like we were hanging there forever,” said one rider, Maria Rodriguez. “We didn’t know if we were shaking from fear or the cold.”
Fear and Relief
Dr. Carlos Hernandez, a theme park safety expert, weighed in on the incident: “In extreme weather conditions, high-altitude rides like the Star Flyer can pose significant risks, especially with strong winds. However, the park’s decision to shut down the ride promptly minimized potential danger.”
Fortunately, after what seemed like an eternity to those stuck, the ride operators were able to initiate a slow and controlled descent, safely bringing the passengers down. “The slow descent was tense. It was freezing up there, and we were all just praying to get to the ground,” said Marco Diaz, another rider.
The ride remained closed for the rest of the day as the park waited for the storm to pass and checked the ride for any potential damage. Dr. Hernandez added, “It’s crucial for parks to follow through with thorough inspections after incidents like these to ensure long-term safety for visitors.”