Screams of thrill to cries for help: How poor maintenance on roller coaster left 30 stranded in Chennai

CHENNAI: At least 30 people, including eight children and 10 women, were left stranded nearly 50 feet above the ground for almost three hours after a roller coaster malfunctioned at an amusement park on Chennai’s East Coast Road on Monday evening.Watch: Video shows panic moments after roller coaster stops mid-air in ChennaiThe incident occurred around 6pm at the park in Injambakkam, when the “Topgun” ride abruptly stopped mid-cycle following a loud noise.The roller coaster, which climbs vertically before a sharp descent, came to a sudden halt, leaving riders suspended in the air and visibly distressed. Attempts by park staff to resolve the issue using an on-site crane failed, as the equipment could not reach the necessary height. A rescue team was later dispatched from Guindy with a sky-lift vehicle capable of extending up to 150 feet. Rescue operations began around 8.30pm and lasted for about an hour. Fire and rescue personnel distributed water and biscuits to those stuck before lowering each passenger to safety. Medical teams provided first aid on the ground, and no serious injuries were reported. The operation was supervised by Adyar deputy commissioner of police Pon Karthik Kumar. Following the incident, a case was registered and an investigation launched into the park’s safety standards. Preliminary findings suggest the ride had not been properly maintained and had mechanical issues that were ignored by the operators. Several people, including parents of those stuck, later took to social media to criticise the park’s emergency preparedness and questioned why trained staff were not present to assist during the crisis.