Coney Island’s Cyclone lurched to an abrupt stop this week — and officials can’t say when the iconic ride will roll again after it was issued two violations by the city.
The nearly century-old wooden rollercoaster is a staple attraction and a long-time symbol of summer in New York — but the ride itself has suffered from mechanical issues that have forced the amusement park to shut it down in the past.
The most recent mishap occurred on Thursday when the coaster got stuck mid-ride and passengers had to be escorted off the tracks, according to the city’s buildings department.
A spokesperson for the city Department of Buildings said the agency sent inspectors Friday to examine the damage. Luna Park, which operates the Cyclone, told the agency the ride was ascending Thursday when it was stopped due to a “crack on the chain sprocket” inside the Cyclone’s motor room, the DOB said.
Passengers were escorted off the ride and no one was injured, but the buildings agency said it had not been informed of the damage. DOB says the park has been issued two violations: one for failing to maintain the ride and one for not informing the city of the damage right away.
Luna Park told Gothamist the ride is “meticulously” maintained and tested and the city’s Department of Buildings had cleared it to open as recently as Wednesday.
Neither DOB nor the amusement park could provide a specific date for when the ride would re-open, but the city agency will keep it closed until it’s satisfied the ride is repaired and safe.