Carowinds, the renowned amusement park straddling North and South Carolina, has recently issued a series of official statements concerning its iconic Fury 325 roller coaster. The ride, celebrated as North America’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, experienced a significant structural issue that led to its temporary closure. The park’s communications detail the incident, the subsequent actions taken, and the measures implemented to ensure the ride’s safety and integrity.
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Incident Overview
In early July 2023, a guest captured a video revealing a substantial crack in one of Fury 325’s support columns. This prompted an immediate shutdown of the ride for safety assessments. Carowinds, in collaboration with the coaster’s manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), initiated a comprehensive inspection of the entire track, support structures, and foundation. The fracture was traced to a weld line in the steel column .
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Remedial Actions and Reopening
To address the issue, Carowinds replaced the compromised support column with a new one fabricated by B&M. Following the installation, an extensive testing regimen was undertaken, including the operation of the coaster for over 500 full cycles and the use of accelerometer tests to monitor ride dynamics. These measures were designed to assess and confirm the structural integrity and safety of the ride .
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On August 10, 2023, after thorough evaluations and a final inspection by the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau, Fury 325 was officially cleared to reopen .
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Enhanced Safety Protocols
In response to the incident, Carowinds has implemented new safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. These include the regular use of drones equipped with cameras to inspect hard-to-reach areas of the ride’s structure . The park emphasized that such measures are part of a broader commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
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Recognition and Ongoing Excellence
Despite the temporary setback, Fury 325 continues to be a standout attraction at Carowinds. In September 2024, the coaster won the “Best Steel Coaster” title at the Golden Ticket Awards for the eighth consecutive year, underscoring its enduring popularity and the park’s dedication to providing top-tier experiences for guests .
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Carowinds’ proactive approach in addressing the structural issue, coupled with its commitment to enhanced safety measures, reflects the park’s dedication to ensuring that Fury 325 remains a thrilling and safe experience for all visito
