Iconic Coney Island rollercoaster reopens after ride malfunction

CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) — The iconic rollercoaster at the heart of Coney Island reopened to thrillseekers on Saturday.

The 97-year-old rollercoaster, known as the Cyclone, once again welcomed visitors after a ride malfunction shut it down indefinitely on Aug.22.

“This American icon has captivated guests for nearly a century, and our dedicated team and attraction engineers continue to ensure that this legendary 97-year-old landmark continues to operate safely and smoothly,”  said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International, Inc.

A crack on the chain sprocket in the rollercoaster’s motor room caused operators to shut it down mid-ride. Those on board had to be escorted off but there were no reported injuries.

The Department of Buildings issued two violations for the owners of Luna Park, claiming they failed to maintain the ride and failed to immediately notify the department about the issue.

The all-wooden coaster first welcomed riders in June 1927 and has been maintained in part through private funds, according to officials from Luna Park. It has since been dubbed a New York City Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here .

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