Title: Cracked Support Pillar Forces Carowinds Amusement Park to Temporarily Shut Down Popular Roller Coaster
Subtitle: Vigilant Park Guest Raises Concerns About Potential Safety Hazard at Carowinds in Charlotte
Date: [Current Date]
In a nerve-wracking event, a crack in one of the steel support pillars of the Fury 325 ride at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte caused the popular roller coaster to be temporarily shut down. Jeremy Wagner, a concerned park guest, noticed the crack and immediately alerted park employees while witnessing the crack expand and contract as each roller coaster car passed through a turn.
Wagner, who was watching the roller coasters from outside the park, expressed his fear that the pillar could have come undone, posing a serious risk to pedestrians and vehicles in its path. His persistent efforts led Carowinds to take immediate action and close Fury 325, which is touted as “the tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America.”
The Fury 325 spans 1¼ miles, reaches speeds up to 95 mph, and features an 81-degree drop and a dramatic 190-foot-tall barrel turn. The roller coaster’s closure prompted Carowinds to release a statement, assuring guests that their maintenance crew is conducting a thorough inspection of the ride. The spokesperson did not provide a timeline for when the ride is expected to reopen.
Carowinds spokesperson Courtney Weber emphasized that safety is their top priority and expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of their valued guests during the closure. Weber stated that their rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure proper functioning and structural integrity. However, the spokesperson did not address questions regarding the response time from the park after receiving Wagner’s report.
Wagner, a season pass holder, had spent the day at Carowinds with his children and other family members. After noticing the crack, he flagged down a Carowinds employee and expressed the urgency to shut down the ride. Dissatisfied with the initial response, Wagner spoke to several employees, eventually reaching someone in guest services who requested the video footage he had captured. Despite feeling a lack of urgency from the park staff, Wagner’s relentless concern ultimately led to the ride’s closure.
Following the incident, Wagner expressed relief and gratitude that Carowinds took his concerns seriously and closed down the ride. He holds no ill will toward the park and expressed confidence in the engineers to fix the issue and make Fury 325 even safer than before. Wagner stated that his family will continue to visit Carowinds and that he plans to let his children ride Fury 325 once it reopens.
As Carowinds works diligently to address and rectify the cracked support pillar, guests can rest assured that the amusement park’s priority remains their safety. The closure during the park’s 50th anniversary and the upcoming Fourth of July weekend will undoubtedly have an impact on visitor experiences. Nevertheless, Carowinds aims to resolve the situation promptly to ensure the ride can be enjoyed once again with confidence.