CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina amusement park Carowinds closed one of its roller coasters Friday after a crack was found in a support beam, and Monday the state's department of labor was at the park to inspect the ride.
Carowinds says they shut down Fury 325 after "park personnel became aware of a crack at the top of a steel support pillar."
What You Need To Know
- Amusement park Carowinds shut down Fury 325 Friday after a crack was found on a support beam, according to news reports
- The park’s website advertises the ride as the “tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America” that crosses into both North Carolina and South Carolina
- Carowinds officials say safety is their “top priority” and that the park undergoes daily inspections
- The North Carolina Department of Labor is inspecting the site
The park's website advertises the ride as the “tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America" that crosses into both North Carolina and South Carolina. The teal-and-lime-green coaster is intended to embody the attributes of a hornet.
The North Carolina Department of Labor is inspecting the site, and they released the following statement Monday:
“The North Carolina Department of Labor is aware of the incident at Carowinds. At this time, we have inspectors on site who are working to gather more information. We will be able to make a full assessment and provide further information as it becomes available. Safety always has been and always will be our top priority at the North Carolina Department of Labor.”
Carowinds says their maintenance team is conducting a "thorough inspection," and the ride will remain closed until repaired.
“Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process," Carowinds officials said in a statement. “As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity.”
Fury 325 opened to the public in 2015 and cost $30 million to build, according to news reports.
The roller coaster, which is more than 1.25 miles long and straddles the North and South Carolina lines, reaches a speed of 95 mph, according to the park's website. It also climbs to 325 feet before speeding down at an 81-degree angle, according to park officials.
The ride lasts about 3 minutes and 25 seconds.
Carowinds did not say how long repairing the ride would take.
The rest of the park will remain open.