Why a beloved Coney Island roller coaster, that’s been thrilling visitors for nearly 100 years, is shut down indefinitely due to a major malfunction.
At a Glance
- The Cyclone, a 97-year-old wooden roller coaster at Luna Park in Coney Island, New York City, was shut down indefinitely after a malfunction on Thursday.
- The ride was halted due to a damaged chain sprocket in the motor room.
- Passengers were safely removed without injury.
- New York City’s Department of Buildings issued violations to Luna Park for damaged equipment and failing to immediately report the incident.
- The Cyclone is temporarily closed for repairs and will reopen after passing a Department of Buildings inspection.
The Historic Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster Shuts Down
The Cyclone, a nearly century-old wooden roller coaster at Luna Park in Coney Island, faced an indefinite shutdown following a malfunction on Thursday. Known for its breathtaking drops and twists, this iconic ride experienced a mechanical failure that necessitated its closure. Investigations revealed a damaged chain sprocket in the motor room as the cause of the issue.
Fortunately, passengers on the Cyclone at the time of the malfunction were safely removed without any injuries. This quick response avoided a potential disaster and ensured everyone’s safety. However, the issue caused significant inconvenience to visitors present during the incident, leaving many reflecting on the ride’s safety.
The famed Cyclone roller coaster in Brooklyn is standing still until further notice after a malfunction was detected mid-ride as people were on boardhttps://t.co/55jODBEZnP
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) August 24, 2024
Safety Concerns and Violations Issued
New York City’s Department of Buildings swiftly issued violations to Luna Park for damaged equipment and the failure to report the incident immediately. These violations underscored the necessity for rigorous maintenance and transparent communication regarding ride safety, particularly for aging attractions like the Cyclone.
“At Luna Park in Coney Island, safety is the number one priority and ride maintenance, and thorough testing happens daily before Luna Park opens and throughout the day as necessary,” Luna Park officials wrote on the park’s website.
While Luna Park officials emphasized their commitment to daily maintenance and testing, the ride’s malfunction and the subsequent violations present a challenge to their claims. The Cyclone’s historical significance does not exempt it from adhering to modern safety standards, and this incident highlights the critical balance between preserving history and ensuring public safety.
Maintenance and Future Outlook
The Cyclone closed temporarily for repairs, with Luna Park promising to reopen it only after passing a rigorous inspection by the Department of Buildings. Given its storied history, the Cyclone’s future remains a point of keen interest for enthusiasts and local visitors alike. The ride, which debuted in 1927, has seen various renovations, including a significant one in 1939 that adjusted its drops and curves for a more thrilling experience.
With the ride’s maximum height of 85 feet and speeds reaching 60 mph, it continues to be an integral fixture of Luna Park. The Cyclone has earned designations as an “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark” and a landmark by New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, underpinning its cultural and historical significance. Visitors eagerly await its return, hopeful that the necessary repairs will restore not just the ride’s functionality but also their confidence in its safety.
Famed Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster is shut down after mid-ride malfunction https://t.co/5Aq1kG36XU
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 25, 2024
Visitor Reactions and Safety Concerns
The abrupt closure of the Cyclone has elicited mixed reactions from visitors. While some expressed disappointment, others were relieved they were not on the ride during its malfunction. Concerns about the safety of the aging wooden structure have come to the forefront, prompting questions about the adequacy of its maintenance regime.
“The wood, it doesn’t look stable. And you know, it would be wise to change the wood things…because it’s not safe at all,” a Brooklynite visiting Coney on Sunday, Shatoya Artis remarked – “It hasn’t been safe for years. Everyone’s scared. They get on this ride specifically because they are afraid of it not being safe.”
Despite these concerns, there are faithful riders who remain willing to experience the Cyclone once repairs are completed and the ride is deemed safe. The Cyclone’s illustrious history and thrilling ride dynamics make it an irreplaceable part of Coney Island’s amusement offerings.
As the Cyclone undergoes repairs, the steps taken by Luna Park to address both the mechanical issues and structural integrity will be closely watched. Will this nearly 100-year-old wooden roller coaster rise again to provide exhilarating rides to future generations, or will it become another victim of time?
