A night of thrill and laughter at New Hampshire’s Canobie Lake Park turned tense when a popular attraction malfunctioned, leaving twelve people suspended about 30 feet above the ground. The incident, which occurred late on the evening of October 25, involved the park’s newly opened Time Winder ride and prompted an immediate rescue operation by the Salem Fire Department. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the event has raised questions about ride safety and maintenance at one of New England’s oldest amusement parks.
A Terrifying Pause Mid-Air
The Time Winder, a family-friendly attraction introduced during the summer of 2024, was meant to be a highlight of the park’s modern lineup of rides. It features four rotating arms, each carrying multiple gondolas that swing and spin in hypnotic circular motions, offering riders an exhilarating yet smooth experience. However, what was supposed to be an evening of fun for twelve park guests quickly transformed into an unnerving ordeal when the ride abruptly stopped due to what officials later described as a “power issue.”
According to a statement released by a spokesperson for Canobie Lake Park, the malfunction occurred around 10:45 p.m. local time on Saturday. The riders were left hanging mid-air, approximately 30 feet above the ground, while the park’s maintenance team and the Salem Fire Department worked to execute a rescue operation. Emergency crews responded swiftly, utilizing a tower ladder and a man lift to bring all the passengers safely down to solid ground.
Battalion Chief Corey Ward of the Salem Fire Department told local news outlet WMUR News 9 that this was the first rescue of its kind his team had ever performed at the amusement park in his 18-year career. Ward commended his team’s coordination and the park’s staff for adhering to established emergency procedures. The riders, though shaken, were all unharmed, and no medical treatment was required at the scene.
Read : Livie Rose Henderson Loses DoorDash Job Over Viral Video of Alleged Delivery Assault
In its official statement, Canobie Lake Park emphasized that all emergency protocols were followed exactly as designed. “The 12 riders who were approximately 30 feet in the air were removed by members of the Salem, N.H., Fire Department in conjunction with the Park’s Maintenance Team in accordance with Park procedures,” the spokesperson said. The park added that the attraction will remain closed “until further notice” while the issue is investigated.
The Ride That Promised Thrills and Nostalgia
The Time Winder was one of the park’s most anticipated additions for the 2024 season, designed to blend nostalgic amusement park aesthetics with modern ride technology. Described on the park’s official website as a “dynamic family ride with four rotating arms, each carrying eight gondolas for up to 32 passengers,” the attraction was marketed as both visually striking and accessible for a wide age range. The design evokes the mid-20th-century charm of mechanical rides while delivering contemporary engineering precision.
Read : Trio Breaks into Playland Amusement Park and Steals 200 Stuffed Animals
Each of the ride’s arms moves independently, swinging and spinning the gondolas around horizontal axes, creating an illusion of weightlessness for riders. The experience is often described as “hypnotic,” both for those aboard and for spectators watching from the ground. Before the malfunction, the Time Winder had received positive feedback from visitors who appreciated its combination of nostalgia and gentle thrill.
However, the incident on October 25 serves as a sobering reminder that even the most well-designed rides can experience unexpected technical failures. While the park has not yet provided details about the specific nature of the “power issue,” experts note that such problems are not uncommon in high-energy mechanical rides that rely heavily on synchronized electrical systems. Temporary power disruptions or circuit failures can cause the machinery to halt mid-operation, triggering automatic safety locks that prevent further movement until technicians can assess the situation.
Industry safety standards require amusement parks to conduct routine inspections and maintenance checks on all rides, particularly new installations. Given that the Time Winder had only been operational for a few months, questions have arisen about whether the issue stemmed from a design flaw, a one-time technical glitch, or an external power interruption. The park has assured visitors that a full inspection and investigation are underway, and that the ride will not reopen until all concerns are resolved and safety can be guaranteed.
A Legacy of Fun, Resilience, and Safety
Canobie Lake Park holds a special place in New England’s recreational history. Established in 1902 in Salem, New Hampshire, it originally operated as a trolley park—a leisure destination at the end of a trolley line designed to encourage weekend ridership. Over the decades, the park evolved from a simple pleasure resort with canoeing, picnics, and concerts to a modern amusement park with roller coasters, games, and family attractions. Its transformation in 1958 under new ownership marked a new era of expansion, introducing mechanical rides and attractions that cemented its reputation as a regional landmark.
Today, Canobie Lake Park combines the charm of classic American amusement parks with modern entertainment offerings. It has long been praised for maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere and prioritizing safety, even as it expands and renovates its facilities. The recent malfunction, while unfortunate, stands as a rare event in the park’s long history. Officials noted that such incidents are exceedingly uncommon and that safety mechanisms are in place to ensure riders are never in immediate danger, even in the event of a ride stoppage.
Read : Chinese Zoo in The Zibo City Amusement Park Admits Painting Donkeys to Look Like Zebras
Following the October 25 incident, the park promptly communicated with guests via its official website and social media channels. The Time Winder’s status was updated to “closed until further notice,” and visitors were assured that all other rides and attractions remain operational. Regular guests of the park have expressed appreciation for the quick response of both the park’s staff and the Salem Fire Department, many noting that the transparent handling of the situation has reinforced their trust in the park’s safety protocols.
Rescue operations like this one highlight the importance of coordination between amusement park staff and local emergency services. Amusement parks are required by law to maintain clear evacuation and rescue procedures for every ride, particularly those that elevate passengers. In this case, the successful use of tower ladders and a man lift demonstrated that both the park and the fire department were prepared for such a scenario, even though it was a first for Salem’s fire team.
Chief Ward’s comments underscore the rarity of the event and the professionalism of the response. “In my entire career, this was the first rescue we’ve ever had to perform at Canobie Lake Park,” he told WMUR. “Everyone involved did exactly what they were trained to do, and the outcome couldn’t have been better.”
Community Response and the Future of the Ride
As news of the malfunction spread, reactions from the public were largely sympathetic and understanding. Many longtime visitors took to social media to express relief that no one was hurt and to commend the park’s history of safety and family-oriented fun. Others voiced curiosity about when—or whether—the Time Winder would reopen, given its status as a major new attraction for the 2024 season.
Industry experts suggest that the park will likely conduct a comprehensive safety audit, not only of the Time Winder but of other rides as well, as a precautionary measure. Such audits typically involve mechanical stress tests, electrical diagnostics, and system recalibrations. Once the investigation concludes, park officials are expected to release a detailed report outlining the cause of the power issue and the steps taken to prevent future occurrences.
While isolated ride stoppages occasionally occur at amusement parks worldwide, the successful outcome of this incident demonstrates the effectiveness of safety protocols and emergency preparedness. For Canobie Lake Park, the episode serves as both a test and a testament to its enduring commitment to guest safety—a principle that has sustained the park for more than a century.
Canobie Lake Park’s continued emphasis on modernization, combined with its heritage appeal, ensures that it remains a beloved destination for families across New England. As the park investigates and addresses the technical failure that led to the Time Winder’s sudden halt, visitors can expect transparency and reassurance from management. The temporary closure, though disappointing for some, underscores a broader philosophy shared by the amusement industry: safety above all else.
Even as the park navigates this challenging moment, its legacy as the oldest amusement park in New Hampshire—and one of the few remaining family-owned parks in the region—remains strong. The swift and safe rescue of all twelve riders not only prevented tragedy but also reinforced public confidence in Canobie Lake Park’s long-standing reputation for care, diligence, and reliability.
In the wake of the incident, the park continues to operate its other attractions and prepare for seasonal events, all while ensuring that the lessons learned from the Time Winder malfunction contribute to even higher safety standards in the future. For many New England families, Canobie Lake Park remains more than a collection of rides and games—it is a cherished tradition, one built on the promise of fun, community, and above all, safety.