The Coney Island Cyclone remains closed indefinitely by order of the city, after the iconic rollercoaster malfunctioned Thursday and riders had to be evacuated.
The near-century-old wooden coaster’s train got stuck on the rails mid-ride on Thursday, and passengers had to be escorted off the steep, rickety tracks by staff.
The city’s Department of Buildings then hit Luna Park, which operates the historic coaster, with code violations and ordered the ride shut down indefinitely until the park fixes them and passes an inspection by DOB.
On its website, Luna Park wrote that the ride is “meticulously maintained and tested daily” and is “currently undergoing repairs.”
DOB said that the ride had malfunctioned due to a “crack on the chain sprocket,” and Luna Park was hit with violations including failing to maintain the ride and failing to inform the city in a timely manner, Gothamist reported.
amNewYork Metro has reached out to the DOB and to Luna Park for comment but has not yet heard back.
The Cyclone opened in 1927 during Coney Island’s heyday, and its long history mirrors that of the People’s Playground. By the mid-20th century, the rollercoaster deteriorated in tandem with Coney Island’s amusement parks, and was slated for the wrecking ball until being saved in the 1970s. The ride has malfunctioned and shut down several times since then.