North Carolina State Fair Ride Fails, Leaving Riders Dangling 100 Feet in the Air for 45 Minutes
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina State Fair is underway in Raleigh, but opening day brought a terrifying experience for some fair-goers after a ride malfunction left them suspended in midair for nearly an hour.
The incident happened on October 16, when the Vertigo ride — known for spinning riders on high-flying swings nearly 100 feet above the fairgrounds — suddenly stopped due to a low-voltage electrical issue, according to fair officials.
Witnesses said the ride froze at its highest point, leaving multiple riders stranded for approximately 45 minutes before it was safely lowered back to the ground.
Riders Describe the Scary Experience
For many attendees, what started as an exciting fair ride quickly turned into a nerve-wracking ordeal.
“It just stopped,” one woman told local news station WXII 12. “We were hanging there, just swaying in the air. After that, I’m not getting back on that ride again.”
Photos and video shared online showed rescue workers assessing the scene as the Vertigo sat motionless against the Raleigh night sky. Fair staff reassured visitors that all passengers were safely brought down and that no one was injured.
Officials: Electrical Problem Caused the Failure
Fair organizers later confirmed that the issue stemmed from a low-voltage malfunction in the ride’s power system.
In a statement, officials said the Vertigo was immediately shut down and inspected following the incident. Engineers worked with the ride’s manufacturer to diagnose and fix the problem before reopening it to the public.
The fair emphasized that all amusement rides undergo daily safety checks conducted by both state inspectors and private operators before opening to visitors each day.
Fair Continues With Extra Safety Oversight
While the malfunction was resolved, the incident served as a reminder of the risks that come with large-scale amusement rides.
The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Amusement Device Bureau oversees fairground safety and said it is reviewing reports from the ride operator to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
No additional issues have been reported since the Vertigo resumed operations.
Fair-Goers Remain Cautious
Despite reassurance from fair officials, some attendees say they’ll be sticking to rides that stay closer to the ground. “It looked fun at first,” said another visitor, “but seeing people hanging up there for that long made me nervous.”
Others praised how calmly and efficiently the ride’s operators handled the situation, ensuring everyone got down safely.
North Carolina State Fair Runs Through Oct. 27
The 2025 North Carolina State Fair features hundreds of attractions, food vendors, and agricultural exhibits, drawing thousands of visitors daily. The Vertigo, one of the fair’s signature thrill rides, remains under heightened supervision following the scare.
Fair officials are encouraging guests to report any unusual activity or ride concerns to nearby staff.
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