By Doug Williams
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NEW YORK (WCBS/WLNY) — The world-famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster was closed Friday after a malfunction that required a rescue of riders on Thursday.
The building authority has since identified violations.
Cyclone at Coney Island closed for maintenance after getting stuck
Video from Thursday shows a 12-year-old girl being rescued from the stalled, malfunctioning Cyclone. In a brief conversation outside of camera view, the girl told CBS News New York that she was sitting in the third row with her friend and laughed on the way up, but then became frightened as seconds turned into minutes of them floating in the air.
A day later, the ride was still stuck in the same position.
On Friday, the Cyclone’s gates were closed and there were no staff or signs to be seen, disappointing locals and tourists alike.
“I have to say I’m a little disappointed. This is my first time at Coney Island and I was really looking forward to it. It’s such a historic ride,” said Sanjai Agarwal.
“That was the only reason we came down, but whatever. We’ll take some photos,” said one tourist.
“The whole point was to come here and drive it,” said Ed Carlone.
“I checked the website and it said it was open. I was like, oh man,” said another. “I’m just sad and confused. It’s my favorite ride!”
The Luna Park website has since been updated with a brief notice reading: “Cyclone closed for routine maintenance.”
Building authority imposes administrative offenses against Luna Park due to malfunction of the cyclone
The DOB, which was on site Friday, gave a different account of its events, telling CBS News New York that it would report two violations to Luna Park: one for a break in a chain that allegedly caused the disruption, and a second for not alerting the DOB to the problem.
CBS News New York reached out to Luna Park for comment but did not receive a response.
The DOB said the Cyclone will remain closed until repairs are completed and another inspection is conducted.
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