Portland, Oregon – More than two dozen people found themselves in a terrifying situation at Oaks Park as the AtmosFEAR ride malfunctioned, leaving riders hanging upside down 50 feet in the air for almost 30 minutes. The incident occurred around 2:55 p.m., resulting in a swift response from first responders as they worked to safely lower the stranded riders to the ground.
According to park officials, one rider with a preexisting medical condition was taken to the hospital as a precaution, while others were released by medics. The cause of the malfunction remains unclear as park managers are collaborating with the ride’s manufacturer and state inspectors to determine the issue.
Oaks Park, established in 1905, had described AtmosFEAR as an exciting ride with circulating and oscillating motion. The theme park stated that this incident on Friday was the ride’s first safety concern since opening in 2021, mentioning that first responders had previously practiced a rescue on the ride last year.
Witnesses like Illya Plaksey and LaVina Waters shared their experiences of seeing the riders trapped in the air, with Plaksey recounting the announcements made by staff members as the situation unfolded. Waters mentioned the fear she felt upon witnessing the trapped riders and how it reaffirmed her decision to avoid such tall attractions in the future.
As the crowd gathered to watch the rescue operation, concern and relief were palpable among onlookers. The park has since announced that AtmosFEAR will remain closed until further notice, emphasizing their commitment to the safety and well-being of their visitors. With the investigation ongoing, visitors and park staff alike are grateful for the prompt action taken by first responders.