Guest Spots Life-Threatening Damage While Riding Popular Attraction, Ride Shuts Down Immediately

Every theme park goer’s worst nightmare became a reality on Friday when a Guest recorded a shocking scene while riding a popular attraction.

The most thrilling rides are difficult to engineer, so theme parks like Walt Disney World and Disneyland regularly scan attractions for potential blockages and issues. While Disney Parks are reigning favorites among theme park fans, Carowinds amusement park in North Carolina boasts a “giga coaster” that leaves TRON Lightcycle / Run in the dust at 95 mph.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the Fury 325 has been named the best steel roller coaster in the world for six years in a row by Amusement Today, and the massive ride spans across the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. But on Friday, the Fury became ridden with fear when a Guest recorded a chilling video of a pillar crumbling at the seams.

Spiraling Into Disaster

Although a mammoth coaster like Fury 325 attracts thrill-seekers, no one wants to see what this Guest caught on camera while on board the attraction. Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist WCNC Charlotte, shared the video on Twitter:

Fury 325 at Carowinds, has now been shut down thanks to a visitor who spotted this massive crack in the support beam. Huge shout out to Jeremy Wagner for getting the video and telling Carowinds about it. #wcnc

Fury 325 at Carowinds, has now been shut down thanks to a visitor who spotted this massive crack in the support beam. Huge shout out to Jeremy Wagner for getting the video and telling Carowinds about it. #wcnc pic.twitter.com/vqJU2J0upL

— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) July 1, 2023

According to Panovich, Jerry Wagner was the one who caught sight of the impaired pillar and reported it to Carowinds. A report from CNN confirmed the North Carolina amusement park shut down the coaster once they were informed of the damage on the support pillar but asserted:

Safety is our top priority, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity.

Park Policies Get a Refurbishment

With such a massive blunder on Friday, Carowinds remained open to the public on Monday and for the rest of the week. According to Wagner, the pillar “moved two to four feet” with a coaster car full of people, and millions who have watched the alarming video have awaited a plan of action from Carowinds.

Journalist Scott Gustin shared an update from the theme Park, stating the following on July 6:

Carowinds shared an update on Fury 325, the roller coaster that closed after a crack was found on a support column. Carowinds says a new column, which is being fabricated by B&M, is expected to be delivered next week. The park also highlighted new safety procedures.

Carowinds shared an update on Fury 325, the roller coaster that closed after a crack was found on a support column. Carowinds says a new column, which is being fabricated by B&M, is expected to be delivered next week. The park also highlighted new safety procedures. pic.twitter.com/JUeYFpxvOK

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 6, 2023

With skepticism after watching the world’s longest steel coaster waver in action, social media users like @MattShields2201 said:

New safety procedures like actually performing safety checks?

Despite claiming the coaster will be updated with new parts, it remains to be seen whether or not Carowinds fans will risk boarding the Fury 325 roller coaster after this mishap.