Moment thrill-seekers scream with terror as they are left dangling upside down after ride breaks down: ‘People were saying their last words’
28 people were left upside down for more than 20 minutes after an amusement park ride in Oregon malfunctioned.
On Friday, the AtmosFEAR ride stopped at Portland’s Oaks Amusement Park around 2:55 p.m., according to a statement from the amusement park on X.
“Oaks Park personnel immediately initiated emergency procedures and called 911,” the statement said. ‘Emergency services arrived around 3.20pm.
After medical evaluation by paramedics, all but one rider were released from the park. This individual, who had pre-existing medical conditions, was transported to the hospital as a precaution.
Recent high school graduates Daniel Allen and Jordan Harding told the local NBC affiliate KKG that they were celebrating their recent achievement at the theme park, and the AtmosFEAR was the first ride on their list.
28 people were left upside down for more than 20 minutes after an amusement park ride in Oregon malfunctioned
‘People were crying. They just put into the universe what they wanted to say as their last words,” said Jordan Harding, a recent high school graduate who celebrated her achievement at the park.
“I was excited to move on,” Allen told the news station. “If you get stuck there, I don’t think you’ll be as excited anymore.”
Harding said she felt like something was wrong with the machine when they dangled upside down for a few seconds longer than they should.
“We just panicked,” she said. ‘People were crying. They just put into the universe what they wanted to say as their last words.”
She also said that hanging upside down started to become uncomfortable as blood flowed from her waist to her head.
‘That position is so physically uncomfortable. My whole waist down there was asleep,” she told the station.
Harding showed her appreciation for the fire department by hugging the first responder who saved her life.
“What a liberating feeling,” she said. ‘I’m on the ground now. There was a moment not so long ago when I thought this wouldn’t happen again.’
Oaks Park’s AtmosFEAR is a popular giant swing ride with 180 or 360 degree swings.
Pictured: First responders arrive at Oaks Park for a ride stuck with multiple riders in Portland
AtmosFEAR will be closed while the park works with the attraction manufacturer and state inspectors to investigate the cause
This ‘showstopping extreme attraction’ launched in 2021 with a spotless safety record, the park said.
The park emphasizes that the standard contingency plan functioned well during Friday’s disruption.
AtmosFEAR will be closed while the park works with the attraction manufacturer and state inspectors to investigate the cause.
