AtmosFEAR manufacturer installs automatic safety device after Portland incident
AtmosFEAR manufacturer adds automatic safety device to prevent future malfunctions.
Event / Disaster
AtmosFEAR Ride Malfunction Portland
On June 28, 2024, 28 people were trapped inverted on the AtmosFEAR ride at Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon for approximately 25 minutes due to mechanical failure. The incident caused severe physical and psychological trauma. Two victims were awarded $275,000 each by a jury in August 2026, with seven of nine litigants settling out of court. Ride manufacturer Zamperla implemented a new safety device in response.
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3 articles0 articles
2026-08-21 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Aug, 13:22 UTC
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What happened
Ride manufacturer adds automatic safety device to prevent future malfunctions
Zamperla, the Italian manufacturer of the AtmosFEAR ride, added a safety device that automatically returns the ride to its initial position if a malfunction occurs. This modification was implemented after June 2024.
Seven other trapped riders settled out of court with Oaks Park
Of the nine riders who filed lawsuits against Oaks Park following the incident, seven concluded out-of-court settlements with the park's owners for undisclosed amounts. Only Xitlali Gomez-Salais and Evie Yannotta proceeded to trial.
Two adolescents awarded $275,000 each in lawsuit over amusement park incident
Xitlali Gomez-Salais and Evie Yannotta, both 16 years old, were awarded $275,000 each by a jury against Oaks Park and the ride manufacturer following their being trapped inverted on the AtmosFEAR ride in June 2024. The trial lasted three days and concluded in August 2026.
Trapped riders report severe physical and psychological trauma
The two adolescents who pursued legal action reported experiencing pain from blood rushing to their heads, breathing difficulties, and significant psychological consequences including sleep disorders, claustrophobia, and depression. One victim was forced to abandon high-level competition in Korean martial arts due to shoulder injuries sustained in the incident.
28 people trapped inverted on AtmosFEAR ride at Oaks Park for 25 minutes
On June 28, 2024, 28 people became trapped on the AtmosFEAR ride at Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon, suspended upside down approximately 30 meters above the ground for approximately 25 minutes due to a mechanical malfunction.
Ride attraction closed for eleven days following safety incident
Oaks Park closed the AtmosFEAR attraction for eleven days following the June 28, 2024 incident in which riders were trapped inverted.
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2 alternative perspectives
Two teens awarded $275,000 each in AtmosFEAR settlement
Two teens awarded $275,000 each; seven others settled out of court following AtmosFEAR malfunction.
Inverted riders trapped for 25 minutes as AtmosFEAR malfunction strikes Portland
28 riders trapped inverted 25 minutes on AtmosFEAR; ride closed 11 days for safety review.