In a dramatic rescue operation, eight students were safely evacuated from the Iron Shark roller coaster at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier after it stalled during a vertical climb. The incident left the students stranded nearly 100 feet above the ground for several hours.

Rescue Operation

The Galveston Fire Department, led by Chief Mike Varela, responded promptly to the emergency. Firefighters utilized a tower truck’s ladder to reach the stranded students, carefully lowering them one by one using safety harnesses and the truck’s basket. The entire rescue operation took approximately four hours, ensuring all students were safely brought down without injury.

Chief Varela reported that none of the students sustained injuries, although they were assessed for dehydration after being exposed to the sun for an extended period. The cause of the roller coaster’s malfunction remains unclear and is under investigation.

Park’s Response

Terry Turney, director of operations at the park, emphasized the safety measures in place, stating that the ride is designed to halt immediately in the event of a malfunction. “Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our guests,” Turney said. “We contacted the fire department to assist and ensure everyone was evacuated safely. The ride will undergo a thorough inspection before returning to operation.”

The students involved in the incident were on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and STEM Academy High School, both of which are charter schools located in the Houston area, according to NBC affiliate KPRC-TV.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.