Riders Left Dangling 100 Feet in the Air After Ride Malfunctions in North Carolina

At the North Carolina State Fair, a swing-ride called Vertigo stopped due to a low-voltage fault, leaving passengers suspended nearly 100 feet above the ground before safe evacuation.

Incident Overview

On October 16, 2025, at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, a dramatic malfunction occurred on the Vertigo ride, which lifts riders high in the air while spinning them on swing-seats. The ride suddenly stopped in mid-air due to a low-voltage fault, causing dozens of riders to be left dangling approximately 100 feet above ground.

Riders’ Experience

One rider, Hannah Norris, recounted the scare:

“All I could think was ‘we’re going to drop.’ I just started praying. Me and my son, we just started saying a prayer.”
Despite the height and sudden stop, officials say no injuries were reported and the ride’s safety mechanisms operated as intended

Safety Response & Investigation

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) and the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDL), the ride’s built-in safety system triggered the automatic stop following detection of a low-voltage fault. They said the stop was controlled, and rides were manually evacuated safely.
Notably, the day of the incident nearly 100 rides had been inspected by NCDL prior to the fair’s opening.
The ride’s operators offered affected riders a complimentary future ride after clearance.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the risks even well-inspected amusement rides can face when technical faults occur. While the system functioned to protect riders, being stranded at great height can lead to trauma or potential danger if not handled swiftly. As rides become more complex and thrill-based, oversight and prompt evacuation systems remain critical.