Home / Disasters and Accidents / Texas Roller Coaster Malfunction Leaves Riders Dangling
Texas Roller Coaster Malfunction Leaves Riders Dangling
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Two theme park goers were stranded over 100 feet high.
- The roller coaster stopped unexpectedly at the first drop.
- Park officials cited a sensor triggering a ride delay.
Two individuals were left dangling over 100 feet in the air for more than 30 minutes after a roller coaster malfunctioned at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas. The Circuit Breaker ride, Texas' first tilt coaster, unexpectedly stopped at its initial 90-degree drop on Wednesday evening. This left Matthew Cantu, 24, and Nicholas Sanchez, 20, suspended in a near-vertical position.
During the extensive delay, concerned family members reported receiving no clear communication from park personnel, who allegedly offered conflicting explanations. The Circuit of the Americas stated that a sensor had triggered the ride delay, which was subsequently resolved. They assured that delays are occasional and expressed relief that only two riders out of thousands experienced this particular incident.
The Circuit Breaker ride, which debuted in October with a preview, is scheduled for an official opening next year. Austin-Travis County EMS evaluated one of the men at the scene, though he declined medical attention. This incident follows reports of multiple malfunctions on a similar tilt coaster, Siren's Curse, at Cedar Point in Ohio earlier in the summer.
