Galveston coaster halts; multi-hour rescue removes riders
Read, Watch or Listen
Galveston: On Thursday evening the Iron Shark roller coaster at Pleasure Pier malfunctioned and stopped near the top of its 100-foot vertical lift, leaving eight riders stranded; witnesses and station live feeds indicate the ride halted around 5:21 p.m., and emergency crews were called and arrived shortly thereafter to begin rescue operations. Galveston Fire Department used Tower 1 and a 105-foot ladder bucket to evacuate riders over several hours; by about 8:30 p.m. six riders had been lowered, and all eight — identified by abc13 as Houston ISD students — were described as anxious but unharmed. Pleasure Pier issued a statement saying the ride stopped as designed and that officials are investigating.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- ~5:21 p.m.: Live feeds indicate the Iron Shark stopped near the peak of its 100-foot lift.
- Shortly after: Galveston authorities received reports and dispatched fire crews and Tower 1.
- Evening hours: Crews secured riders with safety harnesses and used a 105-foot ladder bucket and tower truck.
- ~8:30 p.m.: Six riders had been lowered; operations continued for remaining riders.
- Afterwards: All eight riders were removed, Pleasure Pier and authorities announced an investigation and reviewed procedures.
Why This Matters to You
This incident highlights the importance of safety measures at amusement parks. If you're planning a trip, check the park's safety record and emergency procedures. It's worth knowing that well-designed rides, like the Iron Shark, are built to stop in case of malfunction.
The Bottom Line
All riders were safely evacuated after a roller coaster malfunction at Pleasure Pier. Officials are investigating the cause. Remember, amusement parks are generally safe, but it's always good to be informed about their safety protocols. Worth forwarding if you know someone planning a theme park visit.
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Passengers and their families benefited from a coordinated emergency response and safe evacuation procedures conducted by Galveston Fire Department and Pleasure Pier staff.
The eight riders, identified as Houston ISD students by abc13, experienced prolonged distress and disruption when the Iron Shark halted at the peak during a malfunction.
Coverage of Story:
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From Right
Galveston roller coaster stuck: Authorities on scene rescuing passengers stuck on Iron Shark
FOX 7 Austin
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