Terry Turney details rescue after 8 riders trapped — Galveston Roller Coaster Stuck

Eight people were rescued after the galveston roller coaster stuck on Pleasure Pier in Galveston on Thursday, leaving riders stranded for well over three hours. Galveston police said officials were called around 5:35 p.m. when the Iron Shark stopped at its initial ascent.

Pleasure Pier Rescue

Firefighters used a tower truck and safety harnesses to lower the riders one by one, and the rescue took over three-and-a-half hours. Terry Turney, the park’s chief operating officer, said the ride experienced a malfunction at its initial ascent and immediately stopped to keep everyone safe.

Turney said the park contacted the Fire Department to help remove the guests safely. He also said a thorough inspection will take place before the ride goes back into service.

HISD Field Trip

The Houston Independent School District said the students on the ride were on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and STEM Academy High school. HISD said school administration was in direct contact with the families of all students on the trip, and thanked first responders and park personnel for the rescue efforts.

The Iron Shark is a 1,246-foot coaster track with a 100-foot vertical lift, a greater-than-vertical drop, and four full inversions, according to the Pleasure Pier website. Those features did not change Thursday night, but the ride stayed closed until the inspection is finished and the park decides it is ready to operate again.

Iron Shark Inspection

The immediate question for riders and families is whether the coaster returns to service only after the inspection clears it. For anyone heading to Pleasure Pier, the ride remained out of service after the rescue, and the park said safety checks will come first.