Thrill turns to fear as riders dangle upside down for 30 minutes at Canadian theme park

Screencap from jiashira_/TikTok

A day of excitement and adventure took a terrifying turn at Canada’s Wonderland amusement park in Vaughan, Ontario, when the “Lumberjack” ride suddenly malfunctioned, leaving passengers suspended upside down, 75 feet above the ground for nearly half an hour.

The incident occurred on Sept. 23, Saturday when the ride’s two massive axes, resembling swinging pendulums, inexplicably stopped mid-cycle, plunging riders into a nightmarish predicament. Video footage from the scene captured the harrowing moment as passengers dangled helplessly in the air, their feet pointed towards the night sky.

Two passengers reported experiencing chest pain and were promptly attended to at the park’s health center but did not require further medical attention. In a statement, the park emphasized that the safety of their guests is paramount and that an investigation into the cause of the malfunction is ongoing.

@jiashira_

After about 45 mins they were able to get everyone down safety 🫠😮‍💨 I’m definitely not getting on this ride any time soon! #canadaswonderland #canada #toronto #amusementpark #ridegetsstuck #scary #wtf #viral #fyp

♬ original sound – Shira 🦂

One of the riders, Spencer Parkhouse, shared his harrowing experience, telling CBC News, “[I was] just like feeling—when are we going to drop down? Are we ever going to drop down?” He recounted how the ride had to complete its cycle after the issue was resolved, which added to the anxiety of those on board. While he and his sister Mackenzie emerged physically unharmed, the incident left them shaken, casting doubts on their future roller coaster adventures.

This incident is the latest in a series of roller coaster malfunctions this year that have made headlines in recent months, highlighting the importance of safety measures in amusement parks across the globe. Amusement park-goers are now more conscious of the inherent risks involved in seeking thrill rides.

While the investigation into the “Lumberjack” malfunction continues, Canada’s Wonderland theme park remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of its guests, reminding us all of the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards in the amusement park industry.