Riders Get Stuck in Mid-Air at California Amusement Park

Incident at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Involves Sky Tower Ride

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, riders on the Sky Tower ride at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, were left stranded in mid-air for over an hour after the ride malfunctioned. The Sky Tower is a 252-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding San Francisco Bay area.

Riders Evacuated Safely

According to park officials, the ride stopped suddenly due to a mechanical issue. There were 24 riders on the ride at the time, and all were safely evacuated by park staff using a ladder. No injuries were reported.

The Sky Tower has been closed indefinitely while park officials investigate the incident. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is also investigating the incident.

Similar Incidents in the Past

This is not the first time that a ride at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has malfunctioned. In 2018, the Superman: Ultimate Flight roller coaster was shut down for several hours after a train became stuck on the track. In 2015, the Joker roller coaster was closed for two days after a train derailed.

Amusement park rides are generally very safe, but accidents can and do happen. It is important for park operators to regularly inspect and maintain their rides to ensure that they are safe for riders.