Cyclone Roller Coaster Repaired After Weekend Debut Debacle
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Luna Park spokesperson says the iconic Cyclone roller coaster is back up and running in Coney Island after the thrill ride came to a sudden halt with passengers on board.
But as CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, there are lingering questions about what went wrong on Sunday's first public ride of the season.
Repair crews working on the Cyclone weren't saying much, but a spokesperson said the venerable 87-year-old roller coaster is operational again following its stormy debut.
On opening day at the park, the Cyclone stopped dead on the tracks just before the first big drop.
Riders stranded in their seats waited for 15 minutes before having to walk down the backslope on foot with the help of park staff, Rapoport reported.
"We just got stuck up there," said Adam Myers. "We didn't know what was going on, we thought it was a power outage or something."
Despite a lot of frayed nerves, there were no injuries reported.
Park officials told CBS2 the problem was caused by the cold weather.
"The transmission belt slipped off the drum, making the train go into safe mode," said Angie Morris, Brand Manager with Luna Park.
The park said the roller coaster is now being inspected by the Department of Buildings, and that since the park is closed on weekdays until Memorial Day, it won't actually reopen to riders until its next scheduled day open on Friday.
But the ordeal does beg the question: how do riders feel about getting back on the Cyclone?
"No, I wouldn't be nervous. No," said Ken Obermuller.
"I don't feel like it's safe. So I wouldn't go on it at all," said one woman.
"I would do it again. I grew up with the Cyclone," said Jean Bosley. "So I would do it again. (You wouldn't be nervous?) No, I do it once a year. Since I became 80 I do it once a year."
Bosley is now hoping to experience the thrills and chills she's known for years, but without any unexpected drama.
