Famed Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster is shut down after mid-ride malfunction

NEW YORK — New York City’s famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster is closed indefinitely after the attraction stopped halfway through this week.

The 97 year old wooden roller coaster at Moon Park was on the rise Thursday when the roller coaster’s operators took the ride out of service due to a damaged sprocket in the engine compartment. The operator shut down the ride and several people were pulled from the ride unharmed, the New York City Department of Buildings said.

Video posted on social media shows a person being carefully guided over the rails.

Buildings department inspectors were on site Friday and issued fines to the owners of Luna Park for the damaged equipment and for failing to immediately report the incident to the department.

A message on Luna Park website Sunday said the Cyclone will reopen once repairs are completed and the ride passes inspection.

“At Luna Park at Coney Island, safety is our top priority and ride maintenance and rigorous testing takes place daily prior to Luna Park’s opening and throughout the day as needed,” the statement said. “The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily.”