JACKSON, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey theme park finally opened what it calls the world’s tallest and fastest drop ride.
The Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom ride began operating July Fourth at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.
Riders are hoisted 415 feet in the air and dropped back to the ground at 90 mph. Adding to the thrill: The park’s Kingda Ka roller coaster trains hurl toward riders on Zumanjaro at speeds of up to 128 mph.
The ride initially was scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. But those plans changed when construction work was delayed by a combination of high winds, snow and cold.
Park officials then planned to open the ride July 2. But that was postponed because state inspectors were still reviewing paperwork and had not granted an operating permit.
Meanwhile a thrill ride at another Six Flags park remains closed while an accident is investigated. The Six Flags Magic Mountain coaster in California hit a tree branch Monday, dislodging the front car, leaving four people slightly injured and keeping nearly two dozen summer fun-seekers hanging up to 30 feet in the air for hours before they were rescued.
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