A thrilling day out turned into a harrowing experience for a dozen visitors at the newly opened Wonderla amusement park near Chennai. On Tuesday, at least 12 individuals found themselves stranded approximately 30 feet in the air after a roller coaster ride malfunctioned due to a sudden power disruption.
Manual Rescue Operation Saves the Day
The incident occurred at the park located in Thiruporur, about 56 kilometers south of Chennai. When the ride came to an abrupt halt, the park's own rescue workers swiftly sprang into action. Demonstrating commendable bravery and skill, they climbed the towering structure of the roller coaster and manually assisted all 12 visitors in safely descending to the ground. Videos of this dramatic rescue, captured by onlookers, quickly spread across various social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to the event.
Park Leadership Issues Apology
Following the incident, Arun Chittilappilly, the Chairman and Managing Director of Wonderla, addressed the public concern. He released a video statement formally apologizing for the significant inconvenience and distress caused to the affected visitors. The park, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin on December 1, is a major 63-acre entertainment destination featuring 43 attractions. A key highlight is its claim to house India’s first B&M inverted roller coaster.
Operations Resume After Swift Resolution
Park officials identified the root cause as a power issue. Once this technical problem was addressed and resolved, all rides, including the roller coaster in question, were inspected and resumed normal operations. The management assured visitors and the public of their commitment to safety standards and thorough operational checks.
This event has sparked conversations about safety protocols and emergency preparedness at large-scale amusement facilities, especially those newly launched. While the successful rescue prevented any physical injuries, the psychological impact on those stranded is a point of consideration.
