Eight riders were stranded near the top of the Iron Shark roller coaster at Pleasure Pier in Galveston for more than three hours before rescue crews evacuated them, according to local authorities.
The Galveston Police Department responded to the scene around 5:35 p.m. Thursday after the ride malfunctioned. The Galveston Fire Department used a ladder truck to remove the passengers one by one using safety harnesses. The rescue process lasted approximately three and a half hours.
Videos captured during the incident showed guests stuck near the top of the ride’s 100-foot vertical lift hill. The Houston Independent School District confirmed that some of the riders were students on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and Energized for STEM Academy High School, two district-chartered schools.
In a statement, the district said, “We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe. School administration is in contact with the families of all students involved. We thank first responders and park personnel for their rescue efforts.”
Pleasure Pier officials said the ride experienced a malfunction during its initial ascent. COO Terry Turney explained, “The ride immediately stopped as designed to ensure passenger safety.” Turney added that the ride will undergo a thorough inspection before it is reopened to the public.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
