good thing i didnt go this week like planned..
Most stranded coaster riders rescued
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
(08-10) 17:15 PDT SANTA CLARA -- Firefighters have rescued most of the two dozen people stuck on a roller coaster today at the Great America amusement park.
The incident was reported at about 1:30 p.m. when 24 people were stuck on board the Invertigo, said Capt. Scott Kouns of the San Jose Fire Department.
By 5 p.m., firefighters had rescued 17 of the riders, Kouns said. None were injured, he said.
The riders are from 30 to 70 feet above the ground and are all upright, Kouns said.
"We have crews right now that are talking to them and making sure everybody's OK," Kouns said.
Riders on board the Invertigo are taken upside down six times in just over a minute after an initial 161-foot climb. The train reaches a speed of 50 mph and eventually repeats the course in reverse.
"Face fear - and your friends, as you race through loops and boomerangs, and then back again," according to the park's Web site.
Great America spokesman Jim Stellmack told reporters that the ride's "lift chain" malfunctioned, stranding the riders. All rides are inspected daily, he said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/10/BA9H196LKB.DTL
Most stranded coaster riders rescued
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
(08-10) 17:15 PDT SANTA CLARA -- Firefighters have rescued most of the two dozen people stuck on a roller coaster today at the Great America amusement park.
The incident was reported at about 1:30 p.m. when 24 people were stuck on board the Invertigo, said Capt. Scott Kouns of the San Jose Fire Department.
By 5 p.m., firefighters had rescued 17 of the riders, Kouns said. None were injured, he said.
The riders are from 30 to 70 feet above the ground and are all upright, Kouns said.
"We have crews right now that are talking to them and making sure everybody's OK," Kouns said.
Riders on board the Invertigo are taken upside down six times in just over a minute after an initial 161-foot climb. The train reaches a speed of 50 mph and eventually repeats the course in reverse.
"Face fear - and your friends, as you race through loops and boomerangs, and then back again," according to the park's Web site.
Great America spokesman Jim Stellmack told reporters that the ride's "lift chain" malfunctioned, stranding the riders. All rides are inspected daily, he said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/10/BA9H196LKB.DTL
