A malfunction forced the indefinite closure of the Cyclone, a nearly century-old roller coaster at Coney Island, New York City, on Thursday. Operators halted the 97-year-old wooden roller coaster at Luna Park, citing a damaged chain sprocket in the motor room as the cause. The New York City Department of Buildings confirmed that riders were safely evacuated without injuries.
Inspectors visited the site on Friday, issuing violations to Luna Park’s owners for damaged equipment and failure to promptly report the incident. Luna Park emphasised that safety and maintenance are top priorities, with daily checks conducted before and during park hours. The park’s website stated that the Cyclone is temporarily closed for repairs, pending a Department of Buildings (DOB) inspection. The ride is scheduled to reopen on 21 August 2024, once repairs are completed.
Constructed in 1927, the Cyclone has withstood numerous challenges, including natural disasters and urban development. It remains one of the oldest operational roller coasters in the United States. The Cyclone holds significant recognition from roller-coaster enthusiasts and state and national authorities. The American Coaster Enthusiasts designated it an “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark” on 2 June 2002, for its historical importance.
JUST IN: The Coney Island Cyclone got stuck and one park-goer was shown being helped down. (🎥: Patty McNeice). – https://t.co/uv1e6Wiq18 pic.twitter.com/9Uvfe3he9p
— News12BX (@News12BX) August 23, 2024
In 1988, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission declared the Cyclone a landmark, highlighting its design excellence among the fewer than 100 remaining wooden roller coasters in the U.S. Three years later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, one of only five roller coasters to receive this honour.
The Cyclone features an 85-foot drop, a 2,640-foot length, and reaches speeds of up to 60 mph. Despite minor changes in 1939, including a five-foot reduction in the first drop and realignment of some curves, the ride remains largely as it was at its inception.
The National Register of Historic Places remarked on the Cyclone’s enduring ability to evoke the excitement of Coney Island’s earlier era, calling it a “rare, significant survivor”.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AllSides reports that the iconic 95-year-old Coney Island roller coaster, the “Thunderbolt,” has been shut down due to environmental concerns, despite public objections and nostalgia for the historic attraction.(read more)
- New York Post reports that the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster has been shut down indefinitely due to safety concerns and a structural inspection.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports that the iconic Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster shut down indefinitely after halting mid-ride, with riders safely escorted off and no reported injuries. The 97-year-old wooden coaster was taken out of operation due to a malfunctioning sprocket, and inspections and repairs are underway.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the Cyclone roller coaster shut down?
The Cyclone was shut down due to a damaged chain sprocket in the motor room.
Were there any injuries when the Cyclone malfunctioned?
No, several people were removed from the roller coaster without injury.
When will the Cyclone reopen?
The Cyclone will reopen after repairs are complete and the ride passes its DOB inspection.
What makes the Cyclone roller coaster historically significant?
The Cyclone is recognized as a landmark by New York City and the National Register of Historic Places.
How old is the Cyclone roller coaster?
The Cyclone is 97 years old, having been built in 1927.