Cyclone Roller Coaster Reopens in Coney Island Two Weeks Post-Malfunction

On September 8, 2023, the Cyclone wooden roller coaster at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, reopened to the public after being closed for two weeks due to a mechanical issue.

The iconic 97-year-old ride, located at Luna Park, resumed operations after city inspectors gave it the green light. The Department of Buildings had previously issued two violations concerning the ride: one for inadequate maintenance and another for failure to report the incident to state authorities.

In a statement, the Department of Buildings reassured the public, saying, “The Cyclone passed inspection this morning and has been returned to safe working service.” They also noted that the operators at Luna Park had been actively repairing the ride and conducting multiple test runs over the previous days to ensure its safety.

The Cyclone was shut down on August 22 when one of the car trains stalled midway up an incline due to a crack found in a chain. Fortunately, all passengers were assisted off the ride without sustaining any injuries, according to the City’s Department of Buildings.

Interestingly, just a day before the incident, on August 21, the ride had been inspected and deemed safe to operate. This adds a layer of complexity to the events surrounding the malfunction.

Originally opened on June 26, 1927, the Cyclone stands as a testament to classic amusement park rides. It features a maximum height of 85 feet and can reach speeds up to 60 mph. The total track length spans an impressive 2,640 feet, and each car can accommodate 24 passengers.

As the Cyclone resumes its place among the attractions of Coney Island, thrill-seekers can once again experience the exhilarating twists and turns of this storied wooden coaster, a staple in the Brooklyn amusement park scene for nearly a century.