A jury has awarded $550,000 to two teenage girls who were left hanging upside down when an amusement park ride malfunctioned in Portland, Oregon. The award, approved by a 10-2 jury vote, gives each teen $275,000 in damages. The case followed a June 2024 incident in which about 30 riders became trapped in an inverted position for roughly 25 minutes. Emergency crews and park engineers eventually lowered the ride manually, and all riders were brought down safely and medically evaluated.
| 1) | The ride malfunction and the trapped passengers |
| 2) | The jury’s $550,000 award |
| 3) | The emergency response at Oaks Park |
| 4) | The family’s allegations about safety planning |
| 5) | Responses from the park and manufacturer |
The ride malfunction and the trapped passengers
The incident occurred on June 14, 2024, during the first day of the summer season at Oaks Park in Portland. The AtmosFEAR, a spinning pendulum-style attraction, became stuck in a vertical position while carrying approximately 30 people. Riders remained suspended upside down as people gathered below and emergency personnel were called to the park.
The two teenage plaintiffs were among those trapped. They remained inverted for nearly 30 minutes before the ride was lowered. The malfunction prompted a major rescue response and led to a lawsuit against both Oaks Park and the ride’s manufacturer, Zamperla.
The jury’s $550,000 award
The jury voted 10-2 in favor of awarding the two teens a combined $550,000. Each received $275,000 in the case involving the amusement park and the manufacturer. The verdict was delivered during the week of August 20, 2026, more than two years after the ride failure.
The lawsuit was presented as an effort to obtain accountability for the teens’ experience. The available account of the verdict does not specify how the award was divided between the defendants or provide a separate breakdown of the damages.
The emergency response at Oaks Park
Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded to the park and worked with park engineers to bring the attraction down. The riders were rescued after approximately 25 minutes, according to the incident account, and were then medically evaluated. No deaths were reported, and the riders were described as safe after the rescue.
The response required the ride to be lowered manually. The incident highlighted the need for coordination between park personnel, engineers and first responders when an attraction stops in an unusual position.
The family’s allegations about safety planning
The family of one teenager, identified as Evie, said the legal action sought accountability not only for the mechanical failure but also for the park’s response. They alleged that Oaks Park lacked a safety plan for a ride stuck in an inverted position and did not have the tool needed to lower the attraction.
“We filed this lawsuit to seek accountability and justice,” the family said.
The family further alleged that park personnel had to call a toll-free number to learn how to address the problem, wait for first responders to arrive, and rely on emergency crews to provide the necessary tool. They also claimed that evacuating the park without traffic control delayed emergency access and prolonged the riders’ ordeal. These statements represent the family’s allegations in the case.
Responses from the park and manufacturer
Following the verdict, Oaks Park said the ride should not have become stuck but emphasized that everyone aboard was safe. The park said safety remained its top priority and that it would continue working with ride manufacturers and state inspectors to protect visitors.
“While we agree that the ride should not have become stuck, we are grateful that all of the riders are safe, and this incident is now resolved,” Oaks Park said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Oaks Park and Zamperla did not immediately provide additional comment about the verdict. The case concerns the June 2024 malfunction and the circumstances surrounding the rescue of the riders.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two teenagers each received $275,000. |
| 2 | About 30 riders were trapped upside down on June 14, 2024. |
| 3 | Emergency crews and park engineers manually lowered the ride. |
| 4 | The family alleged that Oaks Park lacked an adequate rescue plan and equipment. |
Summary
The verdict holds Oaks Park and ride manufacturer Zamperla responsible for damages awarded to two teenagers after the AtmosFEAR malfunctioned during the 2024 summer-season opening. The incident ended without reported fatalities, but the riders’ prolonged inverted position led to litigation focused on both the malfunction and the emergency response. The award underscores the importance of ride maintenance, rescue planning and coordination with emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the jury award the teenagers?
The jury awarded a combined $550,000, with each teenager receiving $275,000.
When did the ride malfunction?
The AtmosFEAR malfunctioned on June 14, 2024, on the first day of the summer season at Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon.
How were the riders rescued?
Portland Fire & Rescue crews worked with park engineers to manually lower the ride. The riders were brought down after roughly 25 minutes and medically evaluated.
