Roller Coaster Malfunction in Texas: 8 Passengers Stranded 30 Meters High for Hours

A roller coaster at a Texas amusement park malfunctioned during a vertical climb yesterday evening, leaving 8 passengers stranded at a height of nearly 30 meters for several hours. Fortunately, all were rescued safely. According to NBC News, the 'Iron Shark' roller coaster at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier stopped mid-ride, leaving passengers stranded on an incline for hours. Footage of the incident showed the passengers seated in two rows of four, facing the sky, just before reaching the top of the vertical drop section. The Houston Independent School District stated that the passengers were on a field trip. Fire Chief Mike Varela Jr. said in a press conference that rescue crews arrived at the scene around 5:30 PM. Each passenger was fitted with a safety harness and guided into a fire truck's bucket, then lowered to the ground. Varela noted that the passengers were 'scared' but 'felt joy the moment their feet touched the ground.' A spokesperson for the City of Galveston confirmed that all passengers were rescued safely. Varela pointed out that transferring the students from the coaster to the fire truck bucket was the most critical part, as they were exposed to the sun and there were concerns about dehydration. Terry Turney, COO of the Pleasure Pier, stated, 'The ride malfunctioned during the initial climb. However, as designed, it immediately stopped to ensure everyone's safety. Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our 8 guests.' According to the Pleasure Pier website, the 'Iron Shark' has a top speed of about 84 km/h and runs along a 380-meter track. The steel roller coaster features a 30-meter vertical drop design.