Bowie, MD — Emergency crews responded to Six Flags America on Saturday after a ride malfunction left about 32 riders stranded for over an hour, officials reported. The incident occurred at the amusement park in Prince George’s County, Maryland, prompting a coordinated rescue operation with park staff.
Technical Rescue Initiated
According to the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (PGFD), units arrived at the park around 3:25 p.m. to assist with evacuating the riders. PGFD posted on X:
“Technical Rescue 3:25pm 13700 block Central Ave in Largo. PGFD Technical Rescue units on scene at [Six Flags America] working w/park staff to evacuate approx. 32 riders stuck on a ride. Patients to be evaluated by EMS.”
Local outlet Fox News reported that the passengers were stranded for more than an hour before being safely removed.
No Injuries Reported
Initially, there were reports that one rider had been transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, but the department clarified that this patient transport was unrelated to the ride rescue. PGFD confirmed:
“Update to Technical rescue at [Six Flags America]: All riders removed, additionally, the patient transport was a medical call unrelated to the rescue. PGFD units returning to service.”
A Six Flags spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the ride’s temporary pause triggered a 911 call, but no outside assistance was required to unload the passengers.
“Yesterday afternoon, one of our rides did not complete its typical cycle and paused before returning to the ground. …No guests were injured. The ride will remain closed for a thorough review to determine what caused it to stop.”
Ride Safety Procedures
The spokesperson explained that ride sensors can occasionally stop the ride, similar to a car’s “check engine” light. The ride will not operate until the issue is cleared, and sometimes a more lengthy review by trained experts is needed. In such cases, staff follow strict protocols to safely unload riders, as occurred during Saturday’s incident.
Key bullet points from the rescue:
- 32 passengers stranded for over an hour, all safely removed.
- No injuries were reported related to the ride malfunction.
- Ride will remain closed pending a thorough safety review.
Park Operations and Future Plans
Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, which became a Six Flags property in 1999, are scheduled to operate for the final time on Nov. 2. According to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:
“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan. After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment.”
— Richard Zimmerman, President and CEO, Six Flags
What are your thoughts on this rescue and the park’s future? Let us know in the comments.
