It was a big day at Sellwood’s historic, nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park: Friday, June 14th, found the park filled with students from several area schools on an end-of-school-year outing.
The newest premier thrill ride at The Oaks – installed during the pandemic, in July of 2020 – is AtmosFEAR, which lets belted-in riders experience a swing in a 180-degree arc, or a 360-degree over-the-top circle. On that day, a “system technical operating error” caused the swinging end with the riders aboard to rise to its highest peak – and then just stop in the inverted position, and stay there.
“At approximately 2:55 p.m., the AtmosFEAR ride stopped at the apex position while operating in the 360-degree setting, suspending 28 riders upside down,” Oaks Park Association Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay told reporters at the time. “Oaks Park staff immediately began emergency procedures and called 911.”
Portland Fire & Rescue and AMR ambulances were dispatched to the amusement park at 3:03 p.m. Making their way through Friday afternoon traffic, firefighters from Westmoreland Fire Station 20’s Engine Company arrived first, at 3:14 p.m., along with the first of six ambulances.
Outside the main Oaks Park gates that afternoon, PF&R Public Information Manager and Fire Inspector Jon Harrell told THE BEE that their “High Angle Rope Rescue” team had initially been sent, due to the nature of the incident – just in case the ride’s pivot arm couldn’t be restored to the “parked” load/unload position.
“Within minutes of the first responders’ arrival, Oaks Park Maintenance Department staff had returned the riders safely to the unloading position,” MacKay later told THE BEE.
The Oaks Park staff was able to manually override the ride’s systems, and safely return the ride and all riders to the parked position on its platform, about nine minutes after the manual process began.
“While this incident remains under investigation, I can confirm all riders left the ride under their own power, once they were released from the safety equipment,” MacKay said. “From there, paramedics were waiting to assess the health and wellness of each rider.”
In an abundance of caution, one rider – who had pre-existing medical conditions – was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. All other riders were released by medics to go home with their families.
“About a year ago, PF&R’s Portland Fire & Rescue’s High Angle Rope Rescue team was invited to participate in an evacuation exercise and drill on this very ride by Oaks Amusement Park,” remarked Harrell. “This training opportunity provided our team with information about this ride; as well as a provided a strong working relationship and background for all involved – as well as the occasion to establish good pre-planning, in case of an emergency.”
“Safety a daily practice”
AtmosFEAR has operated since 2021 without incident; but the ride was closed while Oaks Park worked with manufacturer, Antonio Zamperla S.p.A., an Italian design and manufacturing company – as well as with state inspectors – to make sure it does not happen again.
“Safety inspections take place daily here at The Oaks; each ride is inspected three times every day – before operations begin – by three different staff members,” MacKay pointed out.
On Tuesday, June 25, McKay in a statement told THE BEE, “Zamperla…has completed the inspection of the ride, including software, hardware, and structure. No mechanical, technical, or maintenance issues were found. Software data reflects that the incident was not the result of operator error. A state-qualified independent inspector has also performed a full inspection, clearing the ride to resume operation immediately. Oaks Park has suspended the operation of the 360° mode and, until further notice, will instead offer riders the option of either a 180° or 260° experience.”
The incident made the national news, despite the lack of any injuries – and acquainted people across the country with the oldest continuously-staffed amusement park in the country – also probably the only major amusement park anywhere operated by a nonprofit organization – Southeast Portland’s own Oaks Park.
By the way, park guests who had their visit cut short as a result of this incident have been offered a refund – or an opportunity to reschedule their visit. “We ask that our guests that day keep their ride bracelets, to help ease the refund or rescheduling process,” said MacKay.
Oaks Park’s Administrative Office is open Monday through Friday, and may be contacted at 503/233-5777 – or, email the park at: info@oakspark.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0