“I Didn’t Think I Was Going To Live” Guests Stuck Upside Down for 20 Minutes on Theme Park Ride

Disney4me · June 16, 2024

A recent theme park incident is making headlines. In Portland, Oregon, a group of guests at a local theme park called Oaks Park were trapped on a ride for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

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Credit: KGW/KTVZ

When the incident occurred on June 14th, 2024, Portland firefighters responded to the scene and helped dozens of people trapped upside down on a ride called AtmosFEAR.

According to local Oregon news affiliate KTVZ, 28 riders were stuck upside down on AtmosFEAR for about 25–30 minutes. Theme park employees reportedly were quick to initiate the emergency procedures and immediately called 911.

The ride is described on the Oaks Park website as a “showstopping extreme attraction” and is one of its most popular rides. The attraction is two rides in one, and riders can choose between the “over-the-top thrill of the 360° ride or choose the 180° ride for a pendulum experience.”

©Oaks Park

KTVZ reported that Portland Fire and Rescue manually lowered the ride. Everyone on the attraction was evacuated and medically evaluated. Additionally, Oaks Park explained that “One rider with pre-existing medical conditions was transported to the hospital for further evaluation, out of an abundance of caution.” You can read the park’s full statement below.

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— Oaks Amusement Park (@Oaks_Park) June 15, 2024

Two riders, Daniel Allen and Jordan Harding, told KTVZ that they visited Oaks Park that day to celebrate their high school graduation. Harding said that people were crying and panicked, adding, “I’m not even religious, and I said a prayer. I didn’t think I was going to live to see right now,” per KTVZ.

©Oaks Park

According to the Oaks Park statement, the ride will remain closed until further notice. The company is in contact with the manufacturer and state inspectors to identify the issue.