32 Saved After Ride Malfunction at Six Flags America

Rescue at Six Flags America After Ride Malfunction

A dramatic rescue operation took place at Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, on Saturday after a ride malfunction left approximately 32 guests stranded for over an hour. Emergency crews arrived at the amusement park around 3:25 p.m. to assist park staff with evacuating the affected riders, according to an X post from the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (PGFD).

Local outlet WUSA9 reported that the 32 passengers were stuck for more than an hour before being safely evacuated. PGFD shared details of the incident, stating, "Technical Rescue 3:25pm 13700 block Central Ave in Largo," and noted that their units were working alongside park staff to remove the riders. The post also mentioned that patients would be evaluated by emergency medical services.

Initially, PGFD reported that one rider had been taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. However, the fire department later clarified that this was a separate medical call unrelated to the ride malfunction. In a follow-up post, PGFD stated, "Update to Technical rescue at [Six Flags America]: All riders removed, additionally, the patient transport was a medical call unrelated to the rescue. PGFD units returning to service."

Park Spokesperson Addresses the Incident

A spokesperson for Six Flags told Fox News Digital that while a guest on the ride did place a 911 call, no external assistance was required to unload the passengers. They emphasized that park staff are specifically trained to handle such situations.

"Yesterday afternoon, one of our rides did not complete its typical cycle and paused before returning to the ground," the spokesperson said in an email. "No guests were injured. The ride will remain closed for a thorough review to determine what caused it to stop."

The spokesperson added that sensors on the ride can sometimes trigger alerts that halt operations, similar to a "check engine" light in a car. Unlike a vehicle, the ride will not restart until the issue is resolved. "Sometimes, the ride requires a more lengthy review by trained experts. In those cases, we unload riders — as we did yesterday," they explained.

Closure of Six Flags America

Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, which rebranded and opened as a Six Flags property in 1999, will operate for the final time on November 2. This decision was announced earlier this year as part of a comprehensive review of the company’s park portfolio.

"As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan," said Richard Zimmerman, President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, in a statement. "After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment."

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

Prince George's County Fire and EMS did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. The incident has sparked renewed interest in the safety protocols of amusement park rides, especially as Six Flags America prepares for its final season.

Despite the recent malfunction, the park has maintained a strong safety record over the years. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and emergency preparedness in the amusement industry. As the park moves toward its closure, visitors and employees alike are reflecting on the legacy of the attraction and the experiences it has provided over the decades.

The event also highlights the critical role of emergency responders in ensuring the safety of guests during unexpected situations. The swift response from PGFD and park staff helped prevent further complications and ensured that all riders were safely evacuated.