Now this is unsettling.
The Fury 325, one of the most popular roller coasters in the country, developed a huge gaping crack in one of its steel support beams.
It was filmed on video by an eagle-eyed amusement park visitor. The crack is clearly visible near the top of the structure, which is billed as the fastest and tallest roller coaster in North America.
The coaster has been shut down but it brings amusement park safety to the forefront again just as the popular summer season begins. The park said it inspects its rides daily, and the CEO did say in a television interview that the roller coaster is constructed of the same material used in the space shuttle.
The ride was shut down as of Friday, June 30.
Inspectors from the North Carolina Department of Labor Elevator and Amusement Park Bureau planned to be on site on Monday, July 3.
News of the large crack began to spread on social media because of several photos and the video. It was quickly picked up by local news media. A woman who visited the park on June 24 thanked God that no one was injured before the crack was detected.
But it will likely lead to more inspections and more safety checks.
One man’s video showed a car full of riders rolling past the crack. The ride will remain closed until repairs are made.
Carowinds is consistently rated as one of the best amusement parks in the country.
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