Amusement park ride malfunction leaves dozens of terrified riders hanging upside down

Guests at an Oregon amusement park who turned out to be having fun had their day ruined when they got stuck hanging upside down due to a malfunction.

On Friday, emergency crews were dispatched to the Oaks amusement park in Portland where they rescued 28 people aboard the AtmosFEAR, a ride described as an “extreme” pendulum, after it unexpectedly stopped at the ” position of the apex” of the 360- degree establishment, seconds in Oregon.

“Portland Fire is en route to Oaks Park for a stranded ride, with multiple motorists. There are no signs of injury at this time. There is a PIO en route and we will update information until they arrive as needed,” he post Friday Portland Fire and Rescue on their X account.

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— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) June 14, 2024

First responders worked with park staff to manually lower the ride, but were prepared to perform a high-angle rope rescue if necessary.

“At approximately 2:55 this afternoon, the AtmosFEAR ride stopped at the apex position while operating in the 360-degree configuration, suspending 28 riders upside down,” the park said in a statement. “Oaks Park staff immediately initiated emergency procedures and called 911. Emergency responders arrived at approximately 3:20 p.m. Within minutes of first responders arriving, Oaks Park Maintenance returned riders safely to the unloading position, where medics were waiting to assess the riders' health and well-being.

(Video: YouTube)

“The pilots who were suspended were evaluated by Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response,” Oaks Park said. “One Rider with pre-existing medical conditions was transported to the hospital for further evaluation, out of an abundance of caution. All other riders were released by medics to go home to their families.”

Park patrons who got stuck on the ride described the harrowing experience.

“I thought I was going to die,” said 17-year-old Daniel Allen.

The young man was in Oak Park to celebrate his high school graduation with his friend, Jordan Harding, 18, who he assured him not to be afraid, but “when they were stuck in the air, he said he started to cry, thinking about the people he would miss and the things in life he wouldn't get to do,” reported the Oregonian.

“We were freaking out,” Harding said. “People were crying. They were just putting out into the universe what they wanted to say for their last words.”

“Our spectacular extreme attraction is one of our most popular! Two rides in one, you can choose to enjoy the greatest thrill of the 360° ride or choose the 180° ride for a pendulum experience” , the park says about the AtmosFEAR ride on its website.

(Video: YouTube)

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders and our staff for taking quick action, which led to a positive outcome today, and to the other park guests who quickly followed instructions to evacuate the park to make way to emergency services to address the situation,” the park said.

The park's website currently says, “This attraction is closed until further notice.”

Staff writer

Chris Donaldson is a regular, ordinary American who is concerned about rampant corruption, as well as the ongoing attacks on our way of life by those who despise our hard-won freedoms. A Navy veteran, he has been a frequent contributor to conservative websites and resides in Florida.

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