Horrified screams echoed through Six Flags Over Texas as a malfunction on the Roaring Rapids ride caused chaos and prompted riders to jump into the water. A viral TikTok video captures the alarming moment when the ride's currents reversed, leading to a daring escape by the passengers.
Six Flags Over Texas found itself in the midst of a harrowing incident this week when a malfunction on its Roaring Rapids ride forced riders to make a life-saving choice. A TikTok video, which has since gone viral, captures the heart-stopping moment when the ride's currents reversed, sending riders tumbling into the water.
Six Flags' Roaring Rapids Malfunction Sends Riders Leaping into Water
The video, posted by user @jebbrownsack, begins with a scene of five rafts huddled together in one section of the ride in Arlington, Texas. The current, which is normally intended to carry the rafts through the water, suddenly appears to reverse its direction. Multiple riders are seen jumping into the water in a desperate attempt to exit their raft.
Chaos ensued as riders struggled to stay afloat. A young child, who had dived off the raft, appeared to be struggling against the current and had to be assisted to safety by another rider. "Get the kid!" a person is heard shouting in the video.
Six Flags' Roaring Rapids Malfunction Sends Riders Leaping into Water
According to a Six Flags spokesperson who spoke to WFAA, "one of the rafts at Roaring Rapids became stuck," and "guests were told to remain seated in the raft while the ride was restarted." However, the malfunctioning current caused the rafts to bunch together, leading to the panicked escape by the riders.
"All guests safely exited the ride and there were no injuries," the spokesperson added. Each raft on the Roaring Rapids ride can accommodate up to a dozen people, according to Six Flags' website.
Six Flags' Roaring Rapids Malfunction Sends Riders Leaping into Water
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the ride. In 1999, a 28-year-old Arkansas woman drowned, and 10 others were injured after a boat overturned on the same ride in about 2–3 feet of water.
Despite the malfunction, the Roaring Rapids ride remains a popular attraction at Six Flags Over Texas. The ride description on the park's website promises an exciting adventure: "Strap on your vests and step into this wobbly whitewater raft for a (playfully) treacherous passage downriver! Don't be surprised if your veering vessel is overtaken by raging waves of water. Oops, did we say water? We meant fun!"
Six Flags' Roaring Rapids Malfunction Sends Riders Leaping into Water
However, the recent malfunction has served as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with theme park rides. While safety precautions are in place, malfunctions can still occur, and it is important for riders to remain vigilant and follow instructions from park staff.
