Firefighters rescue 28 people trapped at the top of an amusement park ride in Oregon

People Trapped on Amusement Park Ride in Oregon Rescued

Attraction Abruptly Stops

Distress on Oregon Amusement Ride

On Friday, June 14, over two dozen people experienced moments of distress at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon.

This occurred when the AtmosFEAR ride suddenly stopped, leaving them hanging upside down for more than 20 minutes.

The 28 individuals, enjoying the park on its first day of the summer 2024 season, found themselves trapped in the ride’s «maximum position,» about 30 meters high.

AtmosFEAR, one of the park’s most popular attractions, can operate in 180 or 360 degrees, spinning passengers in the air in a loop.

People Trapped in Amusement Park Rescued

People Trapped in Oregon Amusement Park Rescued – Photo: Shutterstock

Around 2:55 p.m. (local time), the ride abruptly stopped, prompting operators to immediately call 911 and initiate emergency procedures.

«We want to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders and our staff for taking quick action,» park officials said.

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«What led to a positive outcome today, and to other park visitors who quickly followed instructions to evacuate the area,» they noted

«And allow emergency teams to address the situation,» states a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).

First responders, including Portland Fire & Rescue, arrived at the scene around 3:20 p.m. (local time).

Within minutes, all passengers were removed from the ride and safely brought to the ground.

One of the individuals, identified as Daniel Allen, shared his experience with the local ABC 7 Chicago affiliate.

«I was crying, not out of joy, or anything, just crying. I was happier, I was alive. I don’t think I have ever appreciated my life more. This is truly a moment of realization for me,» he said.

Another passenger, Jordan Harding, described how uncomfortable it was to be hanging upside down for so long.

«My whole body from the waist down was numb, I was so overwhelmed and everything,» she explained.

A passenger with pre-existing health conditions was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

All other passengers were evaluated by first responders and given the all-clear to go home.

According to a Facebook post shared by Portland Fire on Saturday, June 15, rescue teams had previously trained for this type of scenario.

Moreover, the amusement park added in its statement that the team had even been trained to respond to an emergency on this same attraction.

«We are grateful that everything turned out well and that everyone is safe. It’s a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and preparation,» they stated.

AtmosFEAR was inaugurated in 2021 and has «operated without incidents» until what happened last Friday, June 14, according to ‘People’.

The park reported that it will start an investigation with the help of the ride’s manufacturer and state inspectors.

This is to determine what caused the ride to stop so abruptly, causing fears and distress.

«It is crucial to understand what happened to ensure that it does not happen again. The safety of our visitors is our highest priority,» they affirmed in the statement.

The park closed for the day shortly after the incident, and the Oaks Park website indicates that the ride will be closed until further notice.

Statement from Officials

Photo: Screenshot FB Portland Fire & Rescue

«We want to thank our visitors for their patience and understanding during this incident,» argued the work team.

«We will do everything we can to ensure their safety and well-being in the future,» concluded the park officials.

Additionally, the rapid response of emergency teams and the preparedness of the park staff were crucial in preventing a greater tragedy.

The rescued passengers, though shaken, are grateful to have come out unscathed from this terrifying experience, noted ‘People‘ and ‘ABC 7 Chicago‘. HERE are some photos.

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PHOTO: MundoNOW