Galveston roller coaster: All passengers rescued after Iron Shark roller coaster gets stuck

GALVESTON, Texas – All passengers who were stuck on a roller-coaster on Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas, have been rescued. Some of those passengers were stuck on the roller-coaster for well over three hours. 

Iron Shark Roller Coaster gets stuck in Galveston, all riders rescued 

What we know:

According to Galveston police, officials were called around 5:35 p.m. where the Iron Shark roller coaster got stuck. 

Officials said eight people were on the coaster when it got stuck. 

Firefighters are using a tower truck to get the roller coaster riders down one by one in a process that took over three-and-a-half hours to get all the passengers rescued. 

Authorities said each person was placed in a safety harness to get them down safely. 

The Houston Independent School District confirmed with FOX 26 on Thursday night that the students, who were stuck on the roller coaster, were participating in 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.”

What we don’t know:

It’s unclear at this time what caused the roller coaster to get stuck. 

What they’re saying:

Statement from Pleasure Pier COO

“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,” said Terry Turney, COO of Pleasure Pier. 

Dig deeper:

What is the Iron Shark roller coaster?

According to the Pleasure Pier website, where the roller coaster is located, “The Iron Shark will attack when least expected with its 100-foot vertical lift and beyond-vertical drop. Tracking at 52 miles per hour, the vehicles will glide the 1,246-foot coaster track which includes a diving loop, a greater than vertical drop and four full inversions.”