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American Morning

Roller Coaster Malfunctions, Holds Riders in Air for 30 Minutes

Aired July 19, 2001 - 09:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Our swing across America today takes us to Arlington, Texas, where thrill seekers at Six Flags Over Texas certainly got more than they bargained for on the Titan.

Brad Hawkins of our affiliate WFAA has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRAD HAWKINS, WFAA REPORTER (voice-over): Six Flags Over Texas calls Titan the ride you will never forget. There are at least 30 people whom you do not have to convince: Just before high noon, in the searing Texas sun, the highly computerized coaster stopped in its tracks at its highest point.

SANDRA DANIELS, SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS: One of the sensors detected a problem, so the safety system immediately engaged, as it is supposed to.

HAWKINS: One train, five filled cars, and more than two dozen thrill seekers with no place to go.

(on camera): A spin on Titan usually takes 3 1/2 minutes. This time it took 30 minutes, for 30 people who got more than the expected thrill, at 26 stories.

(voice-over): Park employees climbed the mighty Titan and brought them all down the long way.

Six Flags say the same thing happened just before 10:00 on Tuesday night, and they don't know why. But they say the ride is safe.

We have not had these problems before. Titan opened to public on April 27. We've given more than 600,000 safe rides. It's our biggest ride at the park. It's our most popular roller coaster. We get rave reviews from park guest on a regular basis, saying just how much they enjoy this roller coaster.

DANIELS: It is possible to get too much of a good thing.

Brad Hawkins, Channel Eight News, Arlington.

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