Crews Rescue 28 People Trapped Upside Down on Oregon Amusement Park Ride

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, crews rescued 28 people who were trapped upside down on a ride at an amusement park in Oregon. The incident occurred at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Ronde, Oregon, when the “Howlin’ Tornado” ride malfunctioned, leaving riders suspended in the air. The ride, a type of pendulum swing ride, was carrying riders at a high height when it stopped abruptly. According to a spokesperson for the park, the ride malfunctioned, and the 28 riders were stuck upside down for about two hours before they were safely rescued by emergency crews. The riders were assessed by medical personnel on-site, and thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. The Great Wolf Lodge issued a statement explaining the situation, stating that the ride had malfunctioned and that the safety of the guests was their top priority. As a result of the incident, the park has temporarily closed the Howlin’ Tornado ride pending a thorough inspection. The ride will not reopen until safety officials determine it is safe for operation. The incident is currently under investigation by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which oversees amusement park safety. The investigation is aimed at determining the cause of the malfunction and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The Great Wolf Lodge is a popular family resort destination offering various entertainment options, including water parks and amusement rides. The Howlin’ Tornado ride is a popular attraction, but this incident has caused concern among visitors and raised questions about the safety of amusement park rides. Authorities are committed to ensuring that all amusement rides are operating safely to protect the well-being of visitors.

Summary

"The incident at the Great Wolf Lodge highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections of amusement park rides to ensure the safety of visitors. Authorities are investigating the cause of the malfunction to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Thankfully, all 28 riders were rescued safely, and no serious injuries were reported."