Texas roller coaster malfunction traps 2 riders more than 100 feet in the air

Two theme park visitors were stuck more than 100 feet in the air for more than 30 minutes this week after a roller coaster malfunctioned in Texas.

The Circuit Breaker roller coaster at Circuit of the Americas near Austin stopped unexpectedly on the first descent, leaving Matthew Cantu, 24, and Nicholas Sanchez, 20, hanging at a 90-degree angle Wednesday night, KXAN-TV reported, citing a publicist representing both men.

“For more than 30 minutes after the ride stopped, family members said they received no clear updates, while witnesses said staff provided conflicting explanations, including comments that the passengers ‘were not currently restrained,'” the publicist’s press release said, People magazine reported.

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Construction continues on Circuit Breaker, Texas’ first tilting roller coaster. (Jay Janner/The Austin American Statesman via Getty Images)

“A sensor triggered a ride delay,” Circuit of the Americas told Fox News Digital in a statement Saturday. “The issue was resolved and the ride was completed without incident.

“As with all attractions of this type, delays sometimes occur. We regret the inconvenience and are pleased that of the 25,000 people who have ridden the roller coaster, only two wear this sign of courage.”

The Circuit Breaker is Texas’ first “tilting” roller coaster, meaning the track tilts 90 degrees for a near-vertical drop during the ride.

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The ride opened as a preview in October and will officially open next year, according to KVUE-TV.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to the incident before 10 p.m. Wednesday, evaluating one of the men who had refused medical treatment, KVUE reported.

Cedar Point, Ohio, opened its new Siren’s Curse roller coaster this summer. (Akron Beacon Journal/Imagn)

Fox News Digital has contacted Austin-Travis County EMS for comment.

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Another tilting roller coaster, known as Siren’s Curse in Cedar Point, Ohio, has also malfunctioned several times since it opened this summer.