At Six Flags America in Maryland, Prince George’s County crews rescued 24 people from the Joker's Jinx after it became stuck near the top of the ride.
Firefighters have made face to face access with first riders - this will be a long term rescue
Rescue crews were called to the ride around 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday, according to the Associated Press. It took more than four hours to rescue all of the passengers.
#JokersJinx stuck at Six Flags America
Some people were stuck as high as 79 feet off the ground, at the highest part of the coaster.
On scene technical rescue call 6-Flags America. 24 patrons stuck near the top of the Jokers Jinx
Passengers were helped into a "rescue bucket" and lifted into the air by a 105-foot tower ladder before being placed on the ground, according to NBC News.
Riders being strapped in place within each car, before cars passenger restraint can be released. Then pulled 1 by 1 - 1st 2 people in bucket
Rescue efforts still underway for riders stuck on @SixFlags roller coaster in Maryland — Live http://t.co/duBvvuoSwF
Photo from @BHVFD14 shows rescue operations still underway at Six Flags. #volunteers ^PLM
A spokesman for Six Flags America said in a statement that it has not been determined what caused the ride to stop but that it has a computerized safety system that "performed as it is designed to."
.@SixFlags: Roller coaster stopped 45ft above ground, carrying 24 passengers, no injuries http://t.co/duBvvuoSwF
The Joker's Jinx is designed to go 60 mph and flips upside down four times. The ride was added to the park in 1999.
Firefighters have reached the 1st car by tower bucket - each of 6 cars will be emptied slowly
After more than four hours, all 24 passengers were rescued and evaluated by EMS before being released.
6-Flags, 10 people down, 14 to go. All will be evaluated by EMS personnel before being reunited with family and released to Park officials
All 24 patrons in the ground. Currently evaluating all 24 with EMS.