On the first day of its summer opening, Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon experienced a harrowing incident when a ride malfunctioned, leaving 28 riders stranded upside down for about half an hour. The incident involved the "AtmosFEAR" ride, which operates as a pendulum capable of swinging riders completely upside down.
Emergency crews were called into action, arriving approximately 25 minutes after the initial distress call, according to reports from The Associated Press. The crews worked to manually lower the ride and safely evacuate all riders. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the stranded riders, although one individual with a pre-existing medical condition was taken to a hospital for precautionary evaluation.
A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, depicting the ride with riders suspended in mid-air as emergency responders coordinated the rescue operation.
Oaks Amusement Park assured the public that the ride, which has been operational since 2021 without prior incidents, will remain closed until further notice. Park authorities indicated their intention to collaborate with the ride's manufacturer and state inspectors to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Despite the frightening nature of the incident, swift action by emergency crews ensured that all riders were safely rescued, underscoring the importance of preparedness and response protocols in amusement park safety.
