On the opening day of the summer season at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, more than two dozen people found themselves in a perilous situation when the AtmosFEAR ride malfunctioned, leaving them suspended upside down for approximately 30 minutes.
The AtmosFEAR is described as an 'extreme attraction' and has been a popular feature at the park since its introduction in 2021. However, on this particular day, the ride stopped functioning while operating in its 360-degree setting, leaving riders dangling upside down.
Daniel Allen and Jordan Harding were among those trapped on the ride. They had just graduated from high school and were celebrating their achievement by visiting the park together. Daniel recalled his initial excitement as they waited in line for the AtmosFEAR, but that feeling quickly turned to fear when they found themselves stuck.
Jordan described the scene as chaotic, with riders crying out for help and some losing consciousness due to the prolonged period of being upside down. She also noted that many people were unable to hold on due to their feet slipping off, adding an extra layer of danger.
Fire departments from Portland and surrounding areas responded promptly to the emergency call made by park staff. While engineers worked on manually lowering the ride, firefighters prepared for a high-angle ropes rescue if necessary. Fortunately, within minutes of their arrival, the ride was returned to its unloading position.
One rider with pre-existing medical conditions was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. All other riders were medically evaluated and released at the park.
The cause of the malfunction remains under investigation by Oaks Park management, state inspectors, and the ride's manufacturer. The AtmosFEAR has been closed until further notice.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance checks for amusement park rides and the quick response from emergency services when incidents do occur.
