Dozens of riders were suspended mid-air when a popular thrill ride malfunctioned at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park Saturday afternoon.
Video from witnesses showed the Sol Spin ride had stopped abruptly, leaving at least 20 riders dangling in the air.
Built in 2017, the ride sends guests up to six stories in the air as they rotate 360 degrees on one of six spinning arms.
In a statement to KTLA, park officials said the ride “did not complete a full cycle as a safety precaution” and “was stopped for approximately five minutes.”
The ride continued operating regularly after it “received a full safety inspection,” officials said.
Saturday’s stoppage marked the second time that Sol Spin left riders suspended in the air. In November 2024, 22 people were stuck on the ride for nearly three hours after the ride malfunctioned.
Sky5 video from the incident showed some people were trapped in a near-vertical position. After workers eventually lowered the ride and the guests disembarked, authorities said no injuries were reported.
Initially, park officials said two female riders were taken to the hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” but later confirmed they were treated and released without being admitted to the hospital.
The ride’s technical malfunction was later investigated by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)’s Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit.
“The safety of our guests is a top priority,” a park official added.
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