A rollercoaster ended up being shut down this week after a social media video drew attention to the fact there was a dangerous crack in the ride's supporting frame.
Carowinds, a popular amusement park in North Carolina, was compelled to shut down its star attraction, the Fury 325 rollercoaster, last Friday due to the discovery of a substantial crack in a support beam.
This decision, however, came a week after guests began flagging the issue on social media, leaving some to question the park's safety protocols.
The rollercoaster in question, Fury 325, had been operating as usual throughout the day before it was abruptly closed for repairs. As described on the Carowinds website, the ride is touted as the "tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America", straddling both North Carolina and South Carolina.
The extent of the damage was captured on video by a former paramedic, who spotted the bending beam while waiting to pick up his children in the parking lot, as reported by WBTV. The footage shockingly revealed the top of the beam, clearly detached, moving back and forth as cars filled with passengers zoomed by.
Despite Carowinds officials' assertions that all rides undergo daily inspections to ensure proper function and structural integrity, visitors allege that it took several days after the initial spotting of the crack for any action to be taken.
"Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process," Carowinds officials said in a statement. "As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections."
According to the Charlotte Observer, the crack had been reported to officials by at least two park visitors. Social media posts from multiple visitors, dating as early as June 24, corroborate their accounts, with photos revealing the crack in the rollercoaster's structure.
Carowinds representatives are yet to respond to inquiries regarding the apparent delay between the crack's initial sighting and the eventual closure of the ride.
Since its public unveiling in 2015, the $30 million Fury 325 has been a crowd favorite, earning the title of "hottest ride in the park" by Time magazine in their 2018 list of the country's top ten amusement parks.
The ride, famous for its 95 mph speeds, an 81-degree plunge, and a mile-long track, stood as the fifth tallest rollercoaster globally at its debut, boasting a height of 325 feet.
Carowinds has yet to reveal when the coaster will be fixed and reopened, but the rest of the park remains open to visitors.
