Hours of Horror at Knott’s Berry Farm: Upside Down Ride Malfunction Leads to Hospitalization

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, became the site of a harrowing ordeal on Monday when a popular ride malfunctioned, leaving 22 guests stranded high above the ground for over two hours. While most riders were safely evacuated, two were later hospitalized as a precaution, sparking new discussions about the safety of high-thrill attractions at the historic theme park.

Credit: Knotts Berry Farm

The Incident: Sol Spin Comes to a Halt

Sol Spin, one of Knott’s most daring rides, suffered a mechanical failure at approximately 2 p.m. The attraction, which takes riders six stories into the air and spins them in multiple directions, froze mid-cycle, leaving guests suspended in awkward, near-vertical positions.

Footage captured from news helicopters showed the stranded gondolas stuck motionless, with some riders visibly distressed. By 4:30 p.m., maintenance crews were able to bring the ride back to ground level, allowing all 22 passengers to disembark.

Knott’s Berry Farm released a statement detailing the steps taken to resolve the situation:

“At approximately 2:00 pm, the Sol Spin ride experienced technical difficulties causing the ride to stop mid cycle. We followed the ride manufacturer’s and Knott’s emergency procedures to safely evacuate the 22 guests by 4:30.”

While initial reports suggested there were no injuries, later updates confirmed that two female riders were transported to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution.” Video from the scene also showed at least one individual requiring a wheelchair upon exiting the ride.

Marcus Leshock shared images of the stuck ride, “Brutal situation as riders have been stuck on the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in California for two hours. Some are on their sides waiting for crews to remove them from the attraction. @KTLA has video from their helicopter…”

Brutal situation as riders have been stuck on the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in California for two hours. Some are on their sides waiting for crews to remove them from the attraction. @KTLA has video from their helicopter…. https://t.co/CHL83vWWlf pic.twitter.com/wXDvPQz9rb

— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) November 19, 2024

What Is Sol Spin?

Sol Spin is a high-speed attraction designed for adrenaline junkies. Riders are seated in floorless gondolas that rotate freely while spinning on one of six arms. The ride offers the sensation of flight, with guests flipping and spinning in multiple directions. According to Knott’s website, Sol Spin delivers “a real sense of being airborne while suspended above the ground.”

This combination of height, speed, and motion has made Sol Spin a favorite among thrill-seekers, but the recent incident highlights the risks associated with such high-intensity rides.

A History of Ride Malfunctions at Knott’s Berry Farm

Credit: Knott’s Berry Farm

While Knott’s Berry Farm is a beloved destination for families and thrill enthusiasts alike, it has faced its share of ride-related mishaps over the years.

1. Sky Cabin Stranding (2016)
   In December 2016, 21 riders were trapped 125 feet in the air on the Sky Cabin ride. Emergency responders used ropes and harnesses to lower passengers to safety, a rescue effort that took several hours.
2. Xcelerator Cable Break (2009)
   One of the park’s most popular roller coasters, Xcelerator, experienced a catastrophic failure in 2009 when its launch cable snapped mid-ride. The incident resulted in leg injuries to a 12-year-old boy and back injuries to his father.
3. Supreme Scream Stoppage (2019)
   Supreme Scream, a towering drop ride, came to an abrupt halt in 2019, leaving riders stranded in mid-air. Although no injuries were reported, the incident added to concerns about ride reliability.
4. Timber Mountain Log Ride Ejection (2021)
   In 2021, a woman was thrown from her log on the Timber Mountain Log Ride after the ride came to a sudden stop. She sustained injuries, raising questions about safety protocols on classic attractions.

Knott’s Berry Farm: A Mix of Thrills and Tradition

Knott’s Berry Farm, which began as a roadside berry stand in the 1920s, has grown into one of Southern California’s premier theme parks. Known for its family-friendly attractions, historical charm, and high-thrill rides, the park attracts millions of visitors annually.

Sol Spin is part of Knott’s effort to keep up with modern thrill-ride trends, offering experiences that rival the intensity of attractions at Disneyland and Universal Studios. However, maintaining safety standards for such complex machinery is an ongoing challenge.

Are Theme Park Rides Safe?

Theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm employ rigorous safety measures, including regular maintenance and staff training. Despite these precautions, mechanical failures can occur, as seen in Monday’s Sol Spin incident.

Industry experts note that while the odds of being injured on a theme park ride are extremely low, high-profile incidents like this one can erode public confidence. For Knott’s, ensuring guest safety and rebuilding trust will be critical in the wake of this malfunction.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Moving Forward

As Knott’s Berry Farm investigates the cause of Sol Spin’s failure, it faces renewed scrutiny over the safety and reliability of its attractions. For now, Sol Spin remains closed for evaluation, and park officials have assured guests that they are prioritizing safety above all else.

For thrill-seekers planning a visit to Knott’s, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of high-intensity rides. While the park works to address these challenges, fans will undoubtedly continue to flock to its mix of classic charm and cutting-edge thrills.

Knott’s Berry Farm may have its share of hurdles, but its commitment to delivering excitement and nostalgia ensures it remains a cornerstone of the theme park experience in Southern California.