What should have been a fun trip on the Time Winder at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire turned into a harrowing experience for a dozen guests.
On Saturday night, around 10:45 p.m. and right before closing time at the Salem, New Hampshire amusement park, the Time Winder experienced some sort of power failure and shut off, according to reports.
As a result, 12 people aboard the Time Winder were left stranded 30 feet above ground. Eventually, they were rescued by members of the local fire department.
“The 12 riders who were approximately 30 feet in the air were removed by members of the Salem, N.H., Fire Department in conjunction with the Park’s Maintenance Team in accordance with Park procedures,” the park said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Officials believe the passengers were stuck in the air approximately 30-40 minutes.
The Time Winder is officially closed for the time being, according to the park website.
What is the Time Winder?
Opened in summer 2024, the Time Winder is a “dynamic family ride” featuring four arms “swinging in circular motions.” Each of the rotating arms contains eight gondolas capable of carrying up to 32 passengers.
Canobie Lake Park, which opened in 1902 and is the oldest theme park in New Hampshire, was also the sight of another recent incident. On Friday, Oct. 17, guests using the Untamed Roller Coaster had to be removed from the ride after it stopped going up a hill.
A spokesperson said the two problems were “completely separate issues.”
“We are aware of the recent incidents that led to the evacuation of guests from rides at Canobie Lake Park,” the state fire marshal’s office said. “Our inspectors are working closely with the park’s management team to assess what caused these malfunctions and to ensure the continued safety of all guests.”
