On a recent Friday, an alarming incident unfolded at Oaks Park, just outside Portland, Oregon.
Emergency teams successfully performed a rescue operation for 28 individuals hanging upside down on a malfunctioning amusement ride, Deadline reported.
Named AtmosFEAR, the malfunctioning ride has been a popular attraction since its inception in 2021. No prior incidents had been reported with this ride before this distressing event. That day, park visitors experienced unexpected terror, stuck in an inverted position high above the ground.
Portland Fire and Rescue swiftly arrived, collaborating with Oaks Park engineers. Together, they executed a manual operation to lower the ride to safety. This teamwork ensured that all passengers were safely brought down without any physiological harm. Following the incident, medical professionals present at the park evaluated each individual.
Although there were no injuries, Oaks Amusement Park confirmed in a statement that one individual with a previously known medical condition was hospitalized for precautionary measures to ensure their health and safety.
The park management extended their gratitude towards both the quick-acting first responders and the calm cooperation of other park visitors.
These guests promptly vacated the park, providing clear access for the emergency services to manage the situation efficiently. In a message shared with the public, Oaks Amusement Park they expressed deep appreciation for everyone's cooperation during the tense moments of the rescue.
Oaks Park has a storied history as a local entertainment staple since opening its gates in 1905, making the incident particularly shocking against its long safety record.
Following the rescue, Oaks Park has closed AtmosFEAR to the public until further notice. The park is dedicated to thoroughly investigating the malfunction to prevent any future occurrences and ensure the safety of all visitors.
Portland Fire and Rescue detailed the collaboration during the incident. They detailed that teamwork was essential during the rescue operations. Their spokesperson mentioned, "Firefighters worked closely with engineers at Oaks Park, carefully coordinating to manually lower the ride and ensure everyone's safety during this critical operation."
As Oaks Park addresses the mechanical failure and reassures the public, attention will focus on its ability to swiftly and effectively ensure the safety of its thrilling rides.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and frequent maintenance checks in amusement parks. Oaks Park continues its commitment to these standards.
Such events highlight the critical importance of emergency readiness and mechanical integrity in operating amusement rides. Oaks Park's prompt and effective response underscores its preparedness and commitment to guest safety, a top priority for any amusement venue. The park reassured the public that thorough inspections and safety verifications will precede the reopening of AtmosFEAR, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
