Busch Gardens officials and crew members are still testing a roller coaster that malfunctioned Thursday, stranding more than 60 riders 200 feet in the air.
- Roller coaster stopped Thursday afternoon with 64 riders on board
- No injuries
- Park officials and crews have been testing the coaster since yesterday but have not said when it will reopen
Just before 6 p.m., guests on Busch Gardens' Sheikra were evacuated after the roller coaster stopped suddenly with a car stuck on a steep incline.
The coaster was stopped in two places -- one just before the 90 degree drop and the other on the climb to the top.
Park officials said right before the coaster cars that got stuck left the boarding area, the ride checked out safe. However, something caused the cars to stop at the top of the ride.
Officials are hoping to get the ride reopened at some point Friday. However, officials said the ride would have to be fully tested before riders are allowed back on.
Rufus Denny was at Busch Gardens Thursday and watched from the ground as Sheikra riders dangled in the air for about two hours.
"After 15, 30 minutes, an hour, hour and a half people were screaming at times," Denny said. "I know there were some people that had some panic attacks."
Firefighters and park officials used a trolley to get to the top. Officials then strapped riders to a harness to pull them off one by one.
Crews said despite the heart-stopping moments, the coaster's computer system did exactly what it was supposed to when a problem is discovered.
Officials said the cars are designed to stop automatically on the safest part of the track.