One rider with a pre-existing medical condition was taken to hospital as a precaution, while the other rider was released by doctors, the park said.
The cause of the accident was unknown as of Saturday, but park officials said they were in contact with the ride’s manufacturer and working with state inspectors to identify the problem.
“We are extremely grateful to the emergency responders and staff who responded so quickly,” the park said in a statement. “Most importantly, we are grateful that our passengers are safe and can be with their families.”
The amusement park, which opened in 1905, describes Atmosphere as “an exciting ride that spins and vibrates up and down.” Oak Park said Friday’s accident was the ride’s first safety issue since it opened in 2021. Emergency personnel conducted rescue training on the ride last year.
Ilya Plaksy, 44, said he was waiting in line for an adjacent ride when he saw the Atmosphere stop. Thirty seconds passed, then a minute.
After a few more minutes, staff announced help was on the way, Plaxey said, and then announced the park was closed and visitors were asked to leave.
Plaxey said cellphones began falling to the ground as the crowd looked up at the trapped riders, most of whom appeared to be teenagers, and yelled for help.
Lavina Waters, 50, was at the Oaks Park Arcade with her children and grandchildren when a woman ran in, yelling that people were trapped in the air. Waters went outside and joined the crowd that had gathered to watch the riders wait for rescue.
Watching a shoe fall off one of the dangling ride riders reminded Waters that tall attractions like Atmosphere aren’t for her, she said.
“I’m not a participant, but it’s scary for me,” Waters said.
AtmosFEAR is closed until further notice.
