Death-Defying Rescue Leads to Hospitalization After 22 Guests Were Abandoned on Theme Park Ride

Knott’s Berry Farm, a beloved Southern California theme park, faced a concerning incident on Monday when its high-thrill ride, Sol Spin, malfunctioned mid-cycle, leaving 22 guests stranded in the air for over two hours. The mishap, which required a detailed rescue operation, has reignited discussions about ride safety at the park. Two of the riders were later hospitalized as a precaution, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

The Sol Spin Breakdown

Sol Spin, one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s more daring attractions, came to a sudden halt around 2 p.m., leaving riders suspended high in the air. The ride, which elevates guests six stories and spins them in multiple directions, froze in place with gondolas stuck at awkward angles.

Videos from news helicopters captured the scene, showing riders visibly distressed while theme park maintenance crews worked to resolve the issue. Mechanics used a crane to reach the ride and begin the process of bringing it safely to the ground. By 4:30 p.m., all passengers were successfully evacuated.

Knott’s Berry Farm released a statement shortly after the incident: “At approximately 2:00 pm, the Sol Spin ride experienced technical difficulties causing the ride to stop mid-cycle. We followed the ride manufacturer’s and Knott’s emergency procedures to safely evacuate the 22 guests by 4:30.”

Initially, the park reported no injuries, but later updates revealed that two female riders were transported to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution.” One rider was seen exiting the attraction in a wheelchair, heightening concerns about the ordeal.

Marcus Leshock shared images of the stuck ride, “Brutal situation as riders have been stuck on the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in California for two hours. Some are on their sides waiting for crews to remove them from the attraction. @KTLA has video from their helicopter…”

Brutal situation as riders have been stuck on the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in California for two hours. Some are on their sides waiting for crews to remove them from the attraction. @KTLA has video from their helicopter…. https://t.co/CHL83vWWlf pic.twitter.com/wXDvPQz9rb

— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) November 19, 2024

The Thrills and Risks of Sol Spin

Sol Spin is a high-speed spinning attraction designed to give riders the sensation of flight. Featuring floorless gondolas that rotate freely while spinning on six arms, the ride offers an exhilarating experience that has made it a favorite among thrill-seekers.

According to the park’s official description, Sol Spin delivers a “real sense of being airborne while suspended and flipping above the ground.” Its mix of height, speed, and motion creates a unique and intense experience—but also carries inherent risks, as highlighted by Monday’s malfunction.

Knott’s Berry Farm’s History of Ride Incidents

While Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrated for its mix of classic charm and adrenaline-pumping attractions, it has faced several high-profile ride malfunctions over the years, raising concerns about safety and maintenance protocols.

In 2016, the Sky Cabin ride made headlines when it malfunctioned, leaving 21 passengers stranded 125 feet in the air. Rescue crews used ropes and harnesses to lower guests one by one, an operation that took several hours to complete. The incident was widely publicized and remains one of the park’s most notable ride-related emergencies.

Another infamous mishap occurred in 2009 when Xcelerator, a high-speed roller coaster, suffered a catastrophic failure. The launch cable snapped mid-ride, injuring a 12-year-old boy and his father. The incident prompted a review of the park’s safety measures and left a lasting impression on the public.

In 2019, the Supreme Scream drop tower experienced a mechanical issue that left riders suspended in mid-air for an extended period. Although no injuries were reported, the malfunction added to a growing list of concerns about the reliability of Knott’s attractions.

More recently, in 2021, the Timber Mountain Log Ride faced scrutiny after a rider was ejected from her log during a sudden stop. The classic attraction, known for its family-friendly appeal, became the center of a safety investigation, sparking renewed attention to ride maintenance across the park.

A Legacy of Thrills and Challenges

Knott’s Berry Farm, originally a roadside berry stand in the 1920s, has evolved into one of the most popular theme parks in the United States. Known for its historical attractions like Ghost Town and thrill rides like GhostRider and HangTime, the park attracts millions of visitors annually.

Sol Spin, part of Knott’s modern push to compete with neighboring parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, represents the park’s efforts to cater to adrenaline junkies. However, high-thrill attractions like Sol Spin come with unique challenges, including the need for rigorous maintenance and robust emergency protocols.

Moving Forward

As Knott’s Berry Farm investigates the cause of Sol Spin’s malfunction, it faces renewed scrutiny over its ride safety practices. Sol Spin is currently closed while maintenance teams evaluate the issue. The park has emphasized that guest safety is a top priority, but incidents like this highlight the complexities of managing high-intensity attractions.

For Knott’s fans and thrill-seekers, the incident is a sobering reminder of the risks that come with chasing adrenaline-fueled experiences. Despite these challenges, Knott’s Berry Farm remains a cherished destination, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and modern thrills.

With Sol Spin under review, the park’s ability to reassure visitors and maintain public trust will be critical in the weeks to come. As Knott’s navigates this latest challenge, its commitment to providing safe and memorable experiences will be put to the test once again.

What would you have done if you were hospitalized after hanging upside down for hours?