A dozen riders on a Universal Orlando roller coaster were stranded at the top for several hours Wednesday evening, until firefighters could assemble and save them using ropes, harnesses and a good measure of patience and skill.
The 12 were stuck — for still unknown reasons — about 7 p.m. They stayed stuck for nearly three hours; the last of the victims was rescued by 9:45, the Orlando Sentinel reported. One was sent to the hospital with neck pain.
The top of the roller coaster, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, measures 167 feet to the ground, WKMG reported.
Universal officials say the cars travel up to 65 miles per hour, and they’re not sure why the ride halted suddenly. Technicians are still investigating, and if they discover the root of the problem, the ride could open Thursday.
The same roller coaster was closed over the summer for two days when a car came to an abrupt halt and slightly injured a rider.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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