World-famous roller coaster shut down due to malfunction

NEW YORK — Coney Island's famous Cyclone roller coaster has been closed indefinitely after a malfunction last week.

Fox 5 in New York reports that riders had to be rescued Thursday when the roller coaster got stuck mid-ride. Luna Park Coney Island's website says the roller coaster is closed for “routine maintenance.”

“At Luna Park at Coney Island, safety is our top priority. Ride maintenance and thorough testing is conducted daily prior to Luna Park's opening and throughout the day as needed,” the statement said. “The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily.

“The Coney Island Cyclone is temporarily closed due to a mechanical issue that occurred on August 22, 2024 and is currently undergoing repairs. We will reopen the Cyclone roller coaster when repairs are complete and the ride has passed inspection (by the Department of Public Works).”

Spectrum News reports that operators of the attraction discovered a crack in the sprocket in the engine compartment while going uphill on Thursday and decided to stop the attraction. Building Department inspectors were on site Friday and issued violations to Luna Park's owners for the damaged equipment and failure to immediately notify the department of the incident.

According to the park's website, the Cyclone opened on June 26, 1927. It has a top speed of 60 miles per hour and is 2,640 feet long. It is reportedly the second-steepest wooden roller coaster in the world, with an 85-foot-high hill with an angle of nearly 60 degrees.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)