Fair Ride Vertigo Leaves Riders Dangling 100 Feet High

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Some fairgoers found themselves hanging 100 feet above the ground on Thursday when The Vertigo ride stopped unexpectedly due to a low-voltage issue.

Hannah Norris, a frequent visitor to the fair, shared her experience with WRAL News. “All I could think is…’we’re going to drop,'” she said. After riding The Vertigo on opening day, Norris and her son Liam began praying while they were suspended in the air.

According to North Carolina Department of Agriculture spokesperson Heather Overton, the ride halted as part of its safety system due to a low voltage fault. Overton explained that the system performed “exactly as intended,” ensuring all riders were safe.

“The ride came to a controlled stop, allowing for the safe and timely manual evacuation of all patrons. At no point was anyone at risk,” she added.

Riders were brought down safely within 45 minutes. The ride was then reset and permitted to resume operations, Overton confirmed.

Norris described the experience as frightening, saying it’s something she will never forget. The ride’s owner offered complimentary rides to anyone who was stuck during the incident.

Inspectors evaluate portable rides at the fair before they open, as mandated by North Carolina state law. This ensures all rides meet safety standards at each new location.

The incident comes to mind amid memories of a past tragedy. In 2013, five people were severely injured at the North Carolina State Fair when a ride malfunction led to unsecured passengers being dropped 20 feet onto the metal floor. Following a criminal investigation, the ride’s operator and owner were arrested.