Coney Island’s Cyclone took patrons on an emotional roller coaster ride Sunday, as the legendary attraction broke down on its season-opening public run, and riders were forced to make a “terrifying” climb to safety.
The famed wooden coaster ground to a halt at about 12 p.m. as it slowly clanked its way up a 60-degree incline to its first big drop.
More than 12 riders were left suspended dozens of feet off the ground for about 10 minutes, until they were forced to walk hand-in-hand with rescuers down the steep slope of the track to safety.
Looks of fear could clearly be seen on their faces.
“Coming down was extremely terrifying,” Diana Elsener, 34, admitted.
“I was so excited as we were hitting the peak of that first drop. Then we suddenly jerked to a stop,” she said.
The doomed trip was the first of the year for the general public. It began after a group of politicians and dignitaries made a successful ride moments earlier.
One of the stuck passengers, David Zubin, 24, of Bensonhurst, was the first in line for the 88-year-old ride after camping out overnight.
“This ruined my weekend,” he said. “The last thing I wanted to do today was get stranded in the cold for no reason.
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“I got a free voucher for another time, but I just don’t think that’s enough,’’ he said.
The operators had promoted the coaster’s opening by tweeting that the first 100 visitors would get to ride for free.
Luna Park officials originally blamed an “isolated mechanical issue” for the coaster’s abrupt halt, but later pointed the finger at a broken cable. They said the ride would be reopened shortly after the glitch, but wound up closing it for the day.
And the Cyclone wasn’t the only ride not running on opening day at the famed amusement strip. The Thunderbolt was also shuttered for “maintenance” through next week, officials said.
“This place isn’t running at full steam,” griped Michael Torres, 33, of Astoria, Queens. “I know it’s the first day, but I think that’s when you need to make a good impression.”