30 stuck 50ft mid-air for 3 hours after roller coaster snag at Chennai’s ECR amusement park

CHENNAI: At least 30 people, including eight children and 10 women, were trapped 50ft above the ground for nearly three hours when a roller coaster malfunctioned on Monday evening at an amusement park at Injambakkam on East Coast Road (ECR). All were later rescued by fire and rescue services personnel. The incident occurred around 6pm when the “Topgun” roller coaster abruptly got stuck mid-air following a loud noise. The ride, which ascends vertically before descending at speed, stopped midcycle, leaving its occupants stranded and screaming in panic.Some of the people whose children were trapped in the roller coaster took to X to vent their anger against the park management, questioning why no staff were available to rescue those trapped.Initially, the park staff attempted to resolve the issue and tried using a crane available on site, but the equipment was unable to reach the required height. Later, the fire department was alerted, and a rescue team arrived from Guindy with a sky-lift vehicle capable of reaching up to 150ft.Rescue efforts began around 8.30pm and lasted for about an hour. Fire service personnel first distributed biscuits and water to those stuck on the ride before lowering each of them to safety. Medical teams stationed at the site provided first aid to the rescued individuals, none of whom suffered any serious injuries.Adyar deputy commissioner of police Pon Karthik Kumar supervised the rescue operation. Following the incident, the Neelankarai police registered a case and launched an investigation into the amusement park’s safety practices.“Preliminary findings suggest the ride was not properly maintained and had preexisting mechanical issues that were ignored by the operators,” said an investigation officer.