Popular Roller Coaster At Carowinds Shut Down Due To Cracked Support Beam
Carowinds boasts the “tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America.” The 6,602-foot-long track takes screaming riders to a height of 325 feet and speeds of up to 95 miles per hour. But now Fury 325, one of the most popular rides at the amusement park, has come to a screeching halt after a large crack was discovered in one of its steel support beams on Friday (6/30).
According to WCNC-TV, Carowinds visitor Jeremy Wagner took video of the crack and was the first to report it to the amusement park’s staff. Wagner’s video shows a full load of riders going past the crack, causing it to visibly shift. It appears that there is a complete detachment between the pillar and the bracket that actually connects to the track.
Fury 325 first opened to the public in 2015 and cost approximately $30 million to build. In a statement, Carowinds officials said, “Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity.”
Carowinds did not say how long it would take to repair Fury 325’s damaged support pillar. In the meantime, the rest of the park will remain open. The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau will be at Carowinds on Monday (7/3) to begin their investigation into the matter. Let’s hope all involved can get the coaster back on track soon.
