Shuttered Knott's ride gets evacuation equipment
Ride malfunctioned twice in 2012
Posted: 03/21/2013
Last Updated:
89 days ago
BUENA PARK, Calif. - Knott's Berry Farm has installed an evacuation system on its Windseeker ride, which was shut down after riders were stranded 300 feet high twice last year.
A Knott's spokesperson tells the Orange County Register the new system includes a cage that mechanically ascends up the ride's shaft in the event that riders get stuck. The cage can take riders down four at a time.
The Windseeker, designed by Dutch-based Mondial, is a swing ride that takes people 300 feet in the air and twirls them at up to a 45-degree angle for about 60 seconds.
The ride malfunctioned twice last year, most dramatically in September when a frozen brake left 20 riders stranded for hours until they could be safely brought down.
The ride is still closed.
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