A malfunction at Six Flags America trapped 32 riders mid-air for over an hour, underscoring safety concerns at the Maryland park set to close permanently later this year.
At a Glance
- 32 people were stranded on a malfunctioning ride for over an hour
- Rescue operation lasted nearly two hours and required technical intervention
- One rider transported to hospital for unrelated medical condition
- Similar ride malfunction and rescue occurred at the park in 2017
- Six Flags America is scheduled to close permanently on November 2, 2025
Rescue Under Pressure
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Prince George’s County Fire and EMS units responded to Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, after a ride malfunction left 32 passengers trapped. The incident began at approximately 3:25 p.m., and emergency responders worked with park staff in a technical rescue that lasted nearly two hours. By 5:00 p.m., all passengers were safely evacuated.
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EMS teams evaluated each individual upon evacuation. While most passengers did not require medical care, one was transported to a nearby hospital for a medical condition unrelated to the malfunction. Officials confirmed no injuries were caused directly by the incident, but the scale of the rescue underscored the risks involved.
A Troubled History
This malfunction was not the first of its kind at Six Flags America. In 2017, a roller coaster stalled mid-ride, stranding 24 passengers and requiring a large-scale rescue operation. The recurrence of such incidents has raised questions about the park’s ride maintenance and safety protocols. Families have voiced concern over whether the amusement park, long a summer destination for Maryland residents, had done enough to prevent repeat failures.
Amusement industry experts note that mechanical failures of this scale, though rare, can significantly impact public confidence. Given the park’s scheduled closure, some critics argue that declining investment and cost-cutting measures may have increased risks to patrons.
Corporate Strain and Closure
Six Flags America announced in 2024 that the park would permanently close following the 2025 season, with operations ending on November 2, 2025. The decision followed the July 2024 merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair, which led to the consolidation and closure of multiple properties under a broader “portfolio optimization” plan.
The Maryland park, which opened in 1974 and became part of the Six Flags chain in 1999, has been a regional landmark for decades. Its closure marks the end of a local institution and leaves Prince George’s County without a large-scale amusement park. Community leaders have expressed concern about the economic loss and the reduced entertainment options for area families.
The timing of this malfunction has fueled speculation that safety oversight may be impacted by the looming shutdown. Advocates argue that closure plans should not affect operational standards, especially when tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend during the park’s final season.
Public Confidence at Risk
Emergency responders were praised for their efficiency and professionalism, but the incident placed renewed scrutiny on corporate responsibility. Industry analysts warn that when amusement facilities operate under closure announcements, maintaining rigorous safety standards becomes even more critical to public trust.
For families and thrill-seekers, the August 16 malfunction raises a troubling question: are the rides at Six Flags America being maintained at the same level of safety as in prior years? With only months left before its gates close permanently, the park’s legacy may be defined less by nostalgia and more by the debate over whether safety was compromised in its final season.
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