On a recent Saturday night at Canobie Lake Park, a ride malfunction left a dozen patrons suspended 30 feet high, necessitating a rescue by the Salem Fire Department. According to a report by The Boston Globe, the "Time Winder" ride experienced a "power issue." Consequently, the amusement park has closed the attraction "until further notice."
The incident, which occurred shortly before 11 p.m., required firefighters to use a tower ladder truck and a man lift for the rescue. Assistant Fire Chief Kennett Colby, in a phone interview with The Boston Globe, revealed that restraint systems were used so they wouldn't fall, resulting in the rescue operation lasting about 25 minutes. Unexpectedly finding themselves in a suspended state, the 12 riders were removed by firefighters who reported that "everybody was in fairly good spirits."
Reporting on the same incident, WMUR relayed comments from Battalion Chief Corey Ward. Ward described that the rescue involved a collaborative effort, stating, "We were able to move it so that it was a little bit easier for us to, you know, help passengers get on to our tower ladder and also Canobie Lake Park had a lift there as well that we were able to assist passengers to get them down to the ground." He also mentioned that it was his first time in an 18-year career assisting with a ride rescue at the park.
Further, the State Fire Marshal's Office informed WMUR that they are investigating both this incident and an earlier one on October 17 when the Untamed Roller Coaster experienced a stop. A spokesperson for Canobie Lake Park said the incidents were "completely separate issues" and assured the public that park management is working with inspectors "to assess what caused these malfunctions and to ensure the continued safety of all guests." It was estimated by officials that riders were stuck for about 30-40 minutes before being safely returned to the ground.
Canobie Lake Park's statement to WMUR confirmed the occurrence: "At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, our Time Winder attraction experienced a power issue. The 12 riders who were approximately 30 feet in the air were removed by members of the Salem, NH Fire Department in conjunction with the Park’s Maintenance Team in accordance with Park procedures." The park has since closed the Time Winder while the investigation into the cause of the malfunction continues.
