By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Once again the roller coaster ride at Darien Lake Theme Park is the center of attention.
Darien Lake says at approximately 6:10 p.m. Thursday night the Ride of Steel experienced mechanical failure when a chain broke.
The train automatically stopped on the coaster's line, about half-way up the track. There were 32 passengers onboard who were safely evacuated according to standard operating procedures.
Darien Park general manager Chris Thrope said guests made it safely off the ride.
"Due to the quick, trained response of the DL team, our guests were on the ground within 30 minutes of the breakdown. In addition, all redundant safety systems functioned precisely as planned including the immediate train stop. Ride Of Steel will be closed until further notice," said Thorpe.
The Ride of Steel will be closed until further notice.
Last month Iraqi war vet James Hackemer, a double amputee, fell to his death from the ride.
A New York State Department of Labor investigation found his death was the result of "operator error".