Galveston Crews Rescue 8 From Stuck Iron Shark After 4-Hour Operation
Updated
Updated · KPRC Click2Houston · May 29
Galveston Crews Rescue 8 From Stuck Iron Shark After 4-Hour Operation
9 articles · Updated · KPRC Click2Houston · May 29
Eight riders were brought down safely from Galveston’s Iron Shark roller coaster after the ride stalled and left them stranded for about four hours.
Pleasure Pier said the coaster malfunctioned during its initial ascent and, as designed, stopped immediately; firefighters then fitted each rider with a safety harness and lowered them by tower truck.
A 105-foot basket was extended at full length during the rescue, with crews directing riders throughout the operation and using the pier’s fire-department-informed design to reach the ride from the rear.
Houston ISD said the riders were students on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and STEM Academy High School, and all students, staff and chaperones were safe.
Fire Chief Mike Varela Jr. said no injuries were reported, while Pleasure Pier said the ride will undergo a thorough inspection before returning to service.
After a harrowing four-hour rescue, how will schools re-evaluate the risks of sending students on high-thrill field trips?
The safety system worked, but what critical failure left eight students stranded for hours in the sky?