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Ride comes to abrupt stop after Busch Gardens employee accidentally presses emergency stop button

Posted at 10:21 PM, Jul 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-17 22:21:58-04

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Riders on Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s popular roller coaster Apollo’s Chariot came to an abrupt stop over the weekend after an employee accidentally pressed the ride’s emergency stop button.

News 3 reached out to the park to find out more about the incident, which happened on Sunday night.

A representative from the park issued the following statement Tuesday:

On Sunday, July 15 shortly after 10pm an ambassador operating the Apollo’s Chariot rollercoaster inadvertently pressed the emergency stop button, causing the ride vehicle to come to a stop along a level part of the track. The ride resumed operation approximately 10 minutes later. All guests were brought back in to the ride station and safely exited the ride. The Busch Gardens team spoke with all guests, who were offered water and health services. The safety of our guests and ambassadors remains our top priority.

The spokesperson also added that a small group of guests told the Busch Gardens Health Services team that they were experiencing minor discomfort after the incident. Noting that the safety of the guests and employees is a “top priority,” the riders were offered medical assistance and left the park after safely exiting the ride.