GALVESTON, Texas – Crews have successfully rescued eight people who were on a roller coaster that got stuck after a malfunction at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier.
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Sky 2 Chopper flew over the scene and captured emergency crews working to free and bring down the riders.
The roller coaster is the Iron Shark.
The rescue process involved getting each rider into a safety harness before bringing them down the tower truck. Rescue crews were talking and directing the riders the entire time while they got them off the ride.
Galveston Fire Chief Mike Varela Jr. says the pier was designed with input from the fire department and because of that, they were able to get the trucks and equipment they needed for the rescue to the back where the ride is.
He says at one point, the tower truck’s basket was extended to its full 105 foot length. He said the angle of the rescue necessitated the way they positioned the basket.
“We felt that was the proper angle, especially the way we had to get one of the patients out and it was just a safety measure on our part,” Varela said.
It took around four hours to get all the riders down. Varela said all the riders seemed fine and uninjured. He gave great praise to the firefighters who completed the rescue.
“I can’t say enough words about them tonight. They are top notch, they did an amazing job, its a proud moment, proud to be chief here,” he said. “It took almost four hours to get that happy ending but I promise you, there’s a great deal of relief that I have right now especially when I had that last crew member come off that ladder and we can all go back to the station and go home.”
Late Friday, Houston ISD said the riders were students on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and STEM Academy High school, two HISD in-district charter schools.
“We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe. School administration is in direct contact with the families of all students who were on the trip. We are thankful for the rescue efforts of the first responders and park personnel,” the district said.
Terry Turney, COO of Pleasure Pier, released the following statement:
“The ride experienced a malfunction at its initial ascent, however, as designed, it immediately stopped to keep everyone safe. Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our guests. Therefore, we contacted the Fire Department to assist, ensuring all guests were safely removed from the ride. A thorough inspection of the ride will take place before it is placed back in service.”