Thrill -seekers rescued from roller-coaster at magic moutain

Thrill-seekers rescued from roller-coaster at Magic Mountain

The Sidney Morning Herald July 8 2014

They were seeking a thrill at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and for two dozens Americans on Monday evening, the theme park over-delivered.

Twenty-five people became stuck “in a precarious position” - suspended nine metres off the ground - when a tree branch derailed the Ninja Coaster ride at the Californian theme park, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

They arrived at 6pm, and half the riders had been lowered by 8pm.

Four people were treated for minor injuries.

The passengers were "all alert and corresponding with park personnel during the evacuation process", theme park spokeswoman Sue Carpenter said in a media statement.

“The safety of our guests and employees is our number one priority.”

A search-and-rescue team armed with extrication and clamping tools was dispatched, and firefighters used ladders to access the thrill-seekers, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Magic Mountain holds the world record for the highest number of roller-coasters in one amusement park, proudly hosting 19. It describes the Ninja Coaster as a “suspended swinging roller-coaster”.

"You’re hanging from the track, which on this insane ride is above your head. You’re going to be swinging all over, a full 90 degrees each way," the website says.

"Ninja pivots with precision as you narrowly miss tagging land and water, whipping around at 55 miles per hour. Your whole body will swing out to the sides as you take winding snake-like turns at nearly 4G."