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Coney Island’s Cyclone reopens after weekslong shutdown
By
Elizabeth Shwe
Published Sep 7, 2024
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Rudy Sulgan/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Shwe
Published Sep 7, 2024
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Coney Island’s Cyclone roller-coaster finally reopened on Saturday morning after it was shut down following a malfunction last month.
Inspectors with the city’s buildings department conducted several test runs without passengers and determined the Cyclone was safe to reopen to the public. An inspector remained on site as the first riders were allowed back on the roller-coaster on Saturday morning.
The 97-year-old Cyclone came to an abrupt stop on Aug. 22 as riders ascended its first 85-foot slope. No one was hurt, and riders were escorted off the tracks. The cause was a broken weld on the driveshaft that pulls the roller-coaster up the slope, according to an inspection report from the city’s buildings department that was obtained by Gothamist.
Luna Park, the Cyclone’s operator since 2011, was issued two violations from the buildings department: one for failing to maintain the roller-coaster and another for failing to immediately notify the department about the incident.
This isn’t the first time the venerable thrill ride – a symbol of Coney Island – has experienced mechanical problems. The Cyclone also broke down mid-ride twice in 2015, including on opening weekend.
And although some fans and frequent riders of the Cyclone say the breakdowns are part of its charm, some incidents and rides have resulted in injuries. In 2007, a 53 year-old man died while undergoing surgery after fracturing three neck vertebrae on the Cyclone. And the next year, a woman who was injured on the ride sued and won $600,000.
The Cyclone will remain open to the public on most weekends until January for Luna Park’s Halloween Fest and Frost Fest. Check Luna Park’s calendar for more details.
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Elizabeth Shwe
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