STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Twenty-four riders were stranded at the top of Coney Island's famed Cyclone roller coaster on the amusement park's opening day Sunday and had to be individually climbed down to safety, the New York Daily News reported.
"This was the first roller coaster I've ever been on, so it was absolutely terrifying," said Alex Bessmertnov, 13, who was quoted in the Daily News story. "I also have a fear of heights so that made it worse. But thankfully we got down safely."
The wood-track Cylone roller-coaster was designated an official New York City landmark in 1988.
Another iconic ride in the Coney Island amusement park is the Wonder Wheel, built in 1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Co., using 100 percent Bethlehem Steel forged on the premises.
At that time, the 18 co-owners worked as construction men to insure quality control throughout the building process.
The Wonder Wheel -- an official New York City landmark -- has maintained a perfect safety record throughout its entire history, as reported on its website.