Six Flags Ride Malfunctions, Nearly Tips Over Causing Injuries

Two visitors at a New Jersey amusement park were injured and taken to a hospital after a water ride malfunctioned Sunday evening and caused the boat they were riding to tip, park officials said.

Officials of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township said the park's Saw Mill Log Flume Ride remains temporarily closed after a boat "tipped on an angle," spokeswoman Kristin Fitzgerald was quoted by The New York Post as saying in an email.

The Six Flags spokeswoman said the incident was a result of the boat "failing to complete its cycle," radio station WKXW reported.

The two adult visitors were taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, Fitzgerald told The Post. According to her, one experienced leg pain, while the other suffered an arm injury.

Fitzgerald noted that the boat did not overturn but said the ride would still be temporarily closed pending an inspection.

"The safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority. The ride will remain closed for a full inspection," the spokesperson said.

The Saw Mill Log Flume — described as "the world's first-ever log flume ride" on the park's website — has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches and has visitors "cruise down a winding water course through the trees."

"There you are gliding along the water through nature… all is peaceful and scenic, until suddenly you are whisked over the edge of an unpredictable waterfall, plunging 4 stories down into refreshing, free-flowing water," the ride's description read. It also said there would be a "giant, steep nosedive" waiting at the end for riders "that will take your breath away."

The ride was one of the original attractions when Six Flags Great Adventure opened on July 4, 1974, and it became "the most popular ride in the park in the summer heat," according to GreatAdventureHistory.com.

Six Flags Great Adventure reopened on July 4 last year after being temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park reportedly reopened with reduced attendance capacities and with safety measures put in place.