International- A roller coaster in North Carolina has been temporarily shut down after guests saw a crack in its support beam.
- Visitors posted photos and video of the beam visibly moving at the crack when a ride was in progress.
A roller coaster in North Carolina is closed until further notice after guests posted photos and video showing a large crack in its support beam.
Carowinds amusement park temporarily shut down Fury 325 on Friday, saying the roller coaster will undergo repairs without providing a timeline for reopening, according to local news station WCNC.
A Carowinds spokesperson said in a statement to Insider, "The park's maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed. Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity."
WCNC also said the North Carolina Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau will investigate.
Local resident Tiffany Collins Newton posted a photo on Facebook, which she said she took on June 24, that appears to show the crack starting to appear on the roller coaster, as The Charlotte Observer reported.
Another visitor to Carowinds, Jeremy Wagner, posted a video on June 30 showing the cracked beam visibly shaking as a ride was in progress. His video shows a coaster car speeding by the nearby portion of the track, carrying screaming riders who appeared to be oblivious to the issue.
—The Associated Press (@AP) July 3, 2023
Carowinds claims Fury 325 is the "tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America." According to its website, the coaster reaches a peak height of 325 feet and a maximum speed of 95 miles per hour over a 1.25-mile long journey that lasts just over three minutes.