In a dramatic rescue operation, eight riders were safely removed from the Iron Shark roller coaster at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier after the ride malfunctioned, leaving them stranded near the top for over three hours. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

Rescue Operation

The Galveston Police Department reported that they were alerted to the situation around 5:35 p.m. The Galveston Fire Department utilized a ladder truck and safety harnesses to individually rescue each passenger, a process that took approximately three and a half hours. The rescue operation was broadcast live by local television stations, capturing the tense moments as firefighters worked to ensure the safety of all involved.

School Field Trip

Among the stranded riders were students from the Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and High School, part of the Houston Independent School District’s in-district charter schools. The district confirmed that the students were on a field trip and expressed gratitude for the safety of all students, staff, and chaperones involved. School officials maintained direct communication with the families of the students throughout the ordeal.

Safety Measures and Investigation

Pleasure Pier’s Chief Operating Officer, Terry Turney, stated that the ride experienced a malfunction during its initial ascent but stopped as designed to ensure passenger safety. Turney emphasized that the safety of guests was the primary concern, and the ride will undergo a thorough inspection before it is reopened to the public. The exact cause of the malfunction remains under investigation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.