BTN News: A day of thrilling adventure turned into a nerve-wracking experience for visitors at Six Flags Mexico when the popular ‘Supergirl’ ride, also known as the ‘sillas voladoras,’ came to an unexpected stop due to a sudden storm. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, August 18, 2024, leaving riders suspended in mid-air at a dizzying height of 74 meters. The harrowing moments were captured by several individuals on social media, quickly going viral and sparking widespread concern.
As the storm swept over Mexico City, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain, those on the ‘Supergirl’ ride found themselves swinging precariously in their seats. The once exhilarating ride quickly became a scene of panic as the powerful gusts of wind caused the suspended chairs to sway violently. Riders clutched their seats as the storm raged on, hoping for a swift rescue.
The weather conditions that day were notably severe, with heavy rain and strong winds creating a treacherous environment. Eyewitnesses described the sky as dark and foreboding, adding to the sense of dread as the ride came to an abrupt halt. One of the passengers, caught in the chaos, managed to pull out their phone and record the tense moments, documenting how the riders were left hanging in the storm’s fury.
Despite the terrifying experience, it is important to note that all visitors were eventually brought down safely. According to reports from Six Flags Mexico, the entire ordeal lasted approximately ten minutes, though to those trapped high above, it likely felt much longer. One witness, who was on the ground at the time, corroborated this, stating that they timed the incident from the moment the ride stopped to when everyone was finally rescued.
Six Flags Mexico swiftly issued a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that safety protocols were followed to ensure the well-being of all guests. The statement clarified that the sudden and intense weather conditions had temporarily halted the operation of several rides, including the ‘Supergirl’ attraction. The park’s team acted in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, ensuring that all riders were safely evacuated, despite the challenging conditions.
The statement read: “On Sunday, August 18, 2024, a sudden and intense storm led to the temporary cessation of operations for multiple attractions at Six Flags Mexico. During this time, our team followed established safety protocols as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring the safe evacuation of all guests. Unfortunately, the storm escalated during the evacuation process, leading to some uncomfortable moments, but we are pleased to report that no incidents were recorded.”
The ‘Supergirl’ ride is renowned for its ability to deliver a heart-pounding experience, offering panoramic views of the park and the city below as it spins at a speed of 64 kilometers per hour. The ride, which accommodates up to 32 passengers, typically provides a thrilling experience that lasts for almost two minutes. However, the events of August 18th served as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change, transforming an exciting ride into a moment of real fear.
In the aftermath of the incident, the video footage shared on social media has sparked discussions about ride safety and the impact of sudden weather changes on amusement park attractions. While Six Flags Mexico has reassured the public of its commitment to safety, the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those who experienced it firsthand.
As the park continues to monitor weather conditions closely, visitors are reminded of the importance of staying aware of the weather forecast when planning their trips. The dramatic events on the ‘Supergirl’ ride will likely serve as a cautionary tale for both thrill-seekers and park operators in the future.