The iconic Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, a staple of New York’s amusement history, has been temporarily shut down due to a mid-ride malfunction. The incident, which occurred last week, has prompted an indefinite closure of the 97-year-old wooden coaster located at Luna Park in Brooklyn.
The Cyclone, known for its thrilling drops and sharp turns, experienced a mechanical issue with a chain sprocket in the motor room during its ascent. Thankfully, ride operators acted swiftly to halt the ride, and no injuries were reported as passengers were safely escorted off the coaster, but one person had to be carefully led down the tracks to safety.
This event has led to a thorough inspection by the Department of Buildings, resulting in violations issued to Luna Park for the damaged equipment and for not immediately reporting the incident.
Luna Park’s Cyclone is a wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling riders since its opening on June 26, 1927. Designed by Vernon Keenan, it is one of the last wooden ones still in operation, a testament to the golden age of amusement parks, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and heights of 85 feet.
The Cyclone’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Coney Island itself, which was once the largest amusement area in the United States, drawing millions of visitors each year. The Cyclone replaced the Giant Racer and has since become a beloved landmark, surviving plans for its demolition in the early 1970s thanks to the intervention of the Albert family, who refurbished it and ensured its continued operation.
Declared a New York City landmark in 1988 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the Cyclone’s legacy continues under the management of Luna Park, preserving a piece of history that is not just about the thrills, but also about the evolution of amusement parks and roller coasters in America.
. The park’s management has emphasized that safety is their top priority, and the ride will remain closed until all necessary repairs are completed and it passes a subsequent inspection.
