A thrilling day at Knott's Berry Farm quickly turned chaotic for twenty-two riders aboard the "Sol Spin" ride on Monday afternoon when the attraction malfunctioned and left them stranded for over two hours. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., causing the spinning ride to abruptly come to a halt mid-cycle, as confirmed by park officials.
The riders were suspended high above the ground, trapped at precarious angles without the ability to exit the ride. Aerial footage of the scene showed some guests hanging sideways, as gallery-style views captured the urgency of the rescue operations underway at Buena Park, California. By the time emergency responders arrived, many of the riders were visibly rattled from their extended ride time, having to cling tightly to their restraints.
According to the spokesperson for Knott's Berry Farm, mechanics were swiftly summoned to the scene to diagnose and address the technical difficulties. With the help of the Orange County Fire Authority, the park’s emergency protocols were activated to safely evacuate the guests.
After prolonged efforts, all riders were eventually brought down safely by around 4:30 p.m. Reports indicated the situation was dramatic but fortunately did not escalate to more dire consequences; only two women required transportation to the hospital for precautionary care following the ordeal, presumably to assess for any potential soft-tissue injuries.
The "Sol Spin" ride, known for its unusual mechanics and thrilling angles, debuted at Knott’s Berry Farm back in 2017. Built by the Dutch company Mondial Rides, the attraction is nicknamed for its ability to send riders on dizzying spins atop six rotating arms, providing exhilarating views from six stories up. Its marketing emphasizes the excitement of feeling airborne, something riders may not have thoroughly appreciated during their time suspended midair.
Park officials have released statements emphasizing their commitment to ride safety and have pledged to conduct thorough reviews of the incident. They highlighted the importance of following safety protocols and procedures gathered from both the ride manufacturer and the park's own standards.
This isn't the first time riders have encountered unexpected delays at theme parks. Recently, other amusement rides across the nation have seen breakdowns causing similar problems, ranging from minor inconveniences to more troubling examples resulting in injuries. Just weeks prior, guests were trapped on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier for nearly one hour during its own mechanical failure.
The event at Knott’s Berry Farm reignited discussions around the oversight of amusement park rides, bringing attention to both the thrills and the potential risks involved. Riders and their families often approach such attractions with excitement but are occasionally reminded of the need for caution.
Based on reports, the rescued riders faced not only physical discomfort but also the emotional impact of being stuck at dizzying heights—something many thrill-seekers probably wouldn’t have signed up for when they first took their seats on the ride. Stressed but relieved, many expressed gratitude for the swift response of the rescue teams, who were on-site to manage the situation.
Knott’s Berry Farm has yet to disclose direct causes of the malfunction, but investigations will be underway to determine if mechanical failure or human error led to the afternoon's events. The park remains focused on ensuring all rides are safe for guests and operational integrity is restored before the onset of the busy holiday season.
