97-year-old Coney Island rollercoaster shuts down after mid-ride malfunction

CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) – Thrillseekers will have to look elsewhere for their adrenaline rush.

The famed Coney Island Cyclone rollercoaster was shut down mid-ride. A damaged chain sprocket in the motor room is to blame, according to operators.

Several people had to be escorted from the ride. Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings issued two violations to the owners of Luna Park.

The ride will remain closed indefinitely until repairs are made and it passes inspection.

“At Luna Park in Coney Island, safety is our number one priority and ride maintenance, and thorough testing happens daily before Luna Park opens and throughout the day as necessary,” the park owners said on Luna Park’s website . “The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily.”

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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