8 students on field trip rescued near top of Texas roller coaster that suddenly stopped
Updated: 8:24 AM EDT May 29, 2026
Eight people were left stranded on a Texas roller coaster for several hours on Thursday evening after the ride malfunctioned.The Iron Shark, one of the tallest rides at Pleasure Pier Park in Galveston, Texas, became stuck near the top of the ride.The riders, who were students on a field trip, were left hanging backward for about four hours before they were rescued by the Galveston Fire Department, KTRK reported.They were individually placed into safety harnesses to be brought down from the ride. No one was injured, according to reports.The park said it would be conducting a thorough inspection.”The ride experienced a malfunction during its initial ascent,” according to a statement from the park. “However, as it was designed to do, it stopped immediately to keep everyone safe.”The Iron Shark ride features a 100-foot vertical lift and reaches up to 52 mph.CNN contributed to this report.
GALVESTON, Texas —
Eight people were left stranded on a Texas roller coaster for several hours on Thursday evening after the ride malfunctioned.
The Iron Shark, one of the tallest rides at Pleasure Pier Park in Galveston, Texas, became stuck near the top of the ride.
The riders, who were students on a field trip, were left hanging backward for about four hours before they were rescued by the Galveston Fire Department, KTRK reported.
They were individually placed into safety harnesses to be brought down from the ride. No one was injured, according to reports.
The park said it would be conducting a thorough inspection.
“The ride experienced a malfunction during its initial ascent,” according to a statement from the park. “However, as it was designed to do, it stopped immediately to keep everyone safe.”
The Iron Shark ride features a 100-foot vertical lift and reaches up to 52 mph.
CNN contributed to this report.