Spring in the northeastern United States has had a false start in more ways than one. Snow fell in the New York City area this weekend, and the first public ride on the iconic roller coaster at Coney Island's amusement park ended in a rescue.
Cars on the 88-year-old Cyclone got stuck just before the first big drop on the wooden roller coaster on Sunday, and all 24 riders had to walk down the wooden planks along the side of the ascent. No injuries were reported.
The ride got stuck just after an opening ceremony and an inaugural ride by local officials.
VIDEO: Coney Island Cyclone stalls on opening day, forcing riders to walk down rollercoaster: http://t.co/2lZuz8tNAm pic.twitter.com/YviHIAZAH5— amNewYork (@amNewYork) March 29, 2015
“Safety is the No. 1 priority for our guests at Luna Park. This was an isolated issue, and it is quickly being resolved,” a spokesperson for Luna Park, where the Cyclone is located, said in a statement. “Cyclone will reopen after proper inspection."
“That thing was the scariest thing I ever did,” David Zubin, a passenger on the ride, told amNewYork. “The bricks, walking down, looked like it was going to break when you stepped on it.”
The issue is unlikely to deter fans of the Cyclone, which counts many loyal locals who visit every year.