Tourists Rescued After Amusement Ride Malfunction Strands Them

A malfunction on the Super Gyro Tower ride in Balneario Camboriu, Brazil, left dozens of tourists stranded nearly 200 feet above ground on January 30, 2023. The ride, which had only been operational for three months, suddenly stopped while carrying passengers, triggering a rescue operation that took over two hours.

Witnesses reported that the ride, which offers panoramic views from heights of up to 59 metres (194 ft), jolted to a halt, leaving riders suspended in the air. Among those trapped was attorney Andre de Oliveira Couto, who described the experience as frightening. He noted that after the initial stop, the ride began to descend slowly before it jolted and froze entirely.

Videos from the scene captured the tense moments as passengers dangled high above the amusement park. Rescue teams quickly mobilized, using ropes and safety gear to lower individuals one by one down the side of the structure. While waiting for evacuation, many passengers expressed anxiety due to limited information about the situation.

Park employees later informed those trapped that the ride’s safety lock had been activated due to a power outage. Approximately 40 people, including tourists and staff, were eventually brought down using ropes, while a ladder truck was deployed to expedite the rescue for those still stranded. Couto stated, “We were up there for more than two hours. They were bringing people down by rope.”

The Super Gyro Tower can accommodate up to 50 people per ride and operates around 300 trips a day, providing stunning views of the seaside city. Following the incident, Parque Unipraias confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated with the assistance of trained safety teams. The park also announced that the attraction would undergo maintenance to ensure future safety.

This incident is part of a broader trend of amusement ride malfunctions. In a similar incident in the United States, rescuers took twice as long to reach individuals stuck on the Star Tower at Casey’s Rides in May. Last year, 25 people were rescued at the Skegness Pleasure Beach after the Super Trooper ride malfunctioned.

Amusement ride safety remains a critical concern, especially considering past incidents. In 2017, 30 riders were trapped approximately 70 feet in the air for five hours at the historic Hull Fair, where they were provided blankets to keep warm. Additionally, two people sustained critical injuries after a ride collapse at the Lambeth Country Show in London last summer.

As safety measures are reviewed, the focus remains on ensuring that visitors can enjoy attractions without fear of similar incidents.