24 stranded on US roller coaster rescued

In the US state of Maryland, a roller coaster has become stuck near the top of the ride, trapping 24 people.

24 people stranded on the Joker's Jinx roller-coaster.

24 people stranded on the Joker's Jinx roller-coaster. (Photo: Twitter/‏@PGFD_Chief)

Authorities say 24 people stranded on a roller coaster have been rescued from near the top of the ride at Six Flags America in Maryland.

Prince George's County Fire officials say it took about five hours on Sunday to rescue 17 adults and seven children from The Joker's Jinx roller coaster.

Assistant Fire Chief Paul Gomez says the riders were sitting upright. A few had cramps, back pain and dehydration, but there were no major injuries.

A Six Flags America spokesman said in a statement that it is not yet clear what caused the ride to stop but that it has a computerised safety system that "performed as it is designed to".

Six Flags' website says the ride goes 96.56 km/h and upside down four times.

24 people stranded on the Joker's Jinx roller-coaster.
The 24 people are given umbrellas to protect them from the sun. (Photo: Twitter)



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