End of an era? The popular attraction in New York was closed

Popular roller coaster shut down indefinitely after malfunction, passengers evacuated mid-ride unharmed. New York's iconic Cyclone faces uncertain future.

 Cyclone roller coaster  (photo credit: GETTY IMAGES)
Cyclone roller coaster
(photo credit: GETTY IMAGES)

The Cyclone roller coaster at New York's Coney Island has been closed indefinitely after stopping mid-ride this week. 

The 97-year-old roller coaster at the amusement park went on what turned out to be its last ride on Thursday, August 22. After she went for a spin she stopped because of a damaged chain sprocket in the engine room. The operator stopped the ride and the passengers on it were disembarked without injury. A video posted on social media shows a man being carefully escorted down the tracks.

An announcement on the amusement park's website at the beginning of the week announced that the cyclone will reopen after it is repaired. "At Coney Island Amusement Park, safety is our top priority and ride maintenance, and thorough inspections occur daily before the amusement park opens and throughout the day as needed," the statement read. "The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is carefully maintained and inspected daily."