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Riders Feared For Their Lives After Malfunction Left Them Stuck Upside Down

Riders stuck on amusement park ride

Photo: Portland Fire and Rescue

An amusement park ride malfunctioned, leaving 28 people stuck upside down at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, on Friday (June 14) afternoon.

Portland Fire & Rescue said they received a call just before 3 p.m. and dispatched emergency responders to help rescue the riders who were stranded about 50 feet in the air.

It took about 30 minutes to lower the ride back to the ground and remove the people who were stuck. Though, for some riders, it felt like an eternity.

"We were just freaking out," Jordan Hardin told KGW. "People were crying. They were just putting into the universe what they wanted to say for their last words."

"I'm not even religious, and I said a prayer. I didn't think I was going to live to see right now," she added.

Officials said that nobody was injured, but one person, who had a preexisting condition, was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

"We wish to express our deepest appreciation to the first responders and our staff for taking prompt action, leading to a positive outcome today, and to the rest of the park guests who swiftly followed directions to vacate the park to make way for the emergency responders to attend to the situation. Most of all, we are thankful that the riders are safe and with their families," Oak Park said in a statement.

The ride will remain closed while inspectors work to determine what caused the malfunction.