Visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California got more than they bargained for when the Sol Spin ride malfunctioned, leaving 22 riders stuck mid-air for over two hours. The riders were rescued by 4:30 p.m. and two women were taken to the hospital as a precaution. The Sol Spin ride, which opened in 2017, is listed as the park’s highest “thrill level” attraction and sends guests on a rotating adventure over 6 stories high. The ride features six spinning arms that rotate independently, providing a unique experience each time. The freely rotating, floorless gondolas give riders a sense of being airborne while flipping above the ground.
The Sol Spin ride was manufactured by Mondial Rides and replaced another Mondial Rides attraction, Windseeker. Windseeker had multiple malfunctions in 2012 that left riders stranded hundreds of feet in the air. Video footage taken at the scene shows riders suspended in the ride’s coaster-like seats while waiting to be rescued. Despite the unexpected delay, Knott’s Berry Farm assured the public that safety is their top priority and took swift action to rescue the stranded riders.
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