Eight passengers, including students from two Houston charter schools, were stranded on the Iron Shark roller coaster at Galveston's Pleasure Pier for over three hours after the ride malfunctioned during its initial ascent.The Galveston Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 5:35 p.m.on Thursday, leaving riders suspended near the top of the 100-foot vertical lift hill.The Galveston Fire Department responded with a ladder truck, using safety harnesses to remove each passenger one by one.The process took approximately three and a half hours to complete.

Pleasure Pier COO Terry Turney stated that the ride stopped as designed to ensure safety, and that a thorough inspection will be conducted before it reopens.

The Houston Independent School District confirmed that students, staff, and chaperones involved in a STEM field trip were safe and in contact with their families.

While officials have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the malfunction, all passengers were successfully rescued without injuries, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in amusement park operations.