Ride malfunctions at Central Florida amusement park, leaves 2 teens hanging in air

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Some rides at amusement parks are meant to be scary. But two Central Florida teenagers experienced an especially frightening -- and real moment -- Thursday night.

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The teens were stuck in a slingshot ride at Old Town, a park in Kissimmee, according to Osceola County Fire Rescue. They were suspended between 30 feet and 40 feet above the ground after the ride malfunctioned, Fire Rescue officials wrote on Twitter.

Crews worked for nearly two hours to bring the teens to safety, WFTV reported.

According to a statement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the ride “was originally permitted in November 2001 and was last inspected by our department on March 19, 2021, at which time no issues were identified.”

Old Town officials told the department that a cable failed, while a “redundant” safety cable remained intact, WFTV reported.

“There are four of these types of attractions in Florida, located in Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Panama City Beach,” the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in its statement. “All four have been closed by our department as a precaution, while the manufacturer conducts an investigation. They will remain closed until our department consults with the manufacturer and will only reopen once our bureau conducts a subsequent inspection.”

Cox Media Group