Cedar Point coaster closes as cable loosens

5/27/2003

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point amusement park's new $25 million roller coaster gave its fans a scare last night when a cable used to launch the 120-mph ride came loose.

The incident at the Top Thrill Dragster occurred about 7:30 p.m., a Cedar Point spokesman said. No one was hurt, and nobody was stranded and the ride may reopen today, she said.

“It's similar to an axle coming loose on a car — it was an un|anticipated breakdown,” she said. The ride was shut down while the cable failure was investigated, she said.

Top Thrill Dragster, the fastest and highest coaster in the world, opened May 4. It is one of 16 roller coasters and nearly 70 rides at Cedar Point. The 420-foot-high ride features a 90 degree angle and speeds of up to 120 mph.