In what was hoped to be the beginning of a banner season for amusement parks around the country following months and months of social distancing, lockdowns and mask mandates, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, was ready for the crowds to return this summer. But a ride malfunction described by officials as a “partial ride derailment” involving one of the park’s signature roller coasters may have sealed the park’s fate this season and beyond. 

El Toro, a massive 19-story-tall wooden roller coaster that opened in 2006 is still considered one of the world’s great thrill rides. With a first drop of 176 feet at a 76 degree angle, the coaster reaches speeds of more than 70 mph as the trains roar out and back along 4,400 feet of track. On June 29, however, a safety incident involving the last car on one of the ride’s trains occurred as the back wheels became elevated off the track, forcing the ride to stop in a lower valley before completing its circuit. Fortunately, nobody was injured, and the ride was shut down for the day. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs said El Toro has been shut down until further notice, the Asbury Park Press reported.