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A total of 14 people were treated at the scene and another five were hospitalized for evaluation, officials said.
The 19-story tall wooden coaster reportedly "lurched forward," injuring passengers who were getting off the ride at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.
The ride had been "red-tagged" by the state last summer after a partial derailment.
Tammori C. Petty-Dixon, a spokesperson with the state Department of Community Affairs, said "witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a jolting of the El Toro train during operation. Petty-Dixon said that of the five riders who were taken for further treatment, one was for a neck injury, two were for back injuries, and two were for mouth and tongue injuries.
"DCA instructed Six Flags Great Adventure to shut down the ride," she said. "There is no further information as to the cause of the incident at the present moment. DCA ride inspectors are onsite . . .to investigate the incident."
The amusement park in Jackson Township was closing down when the ride malfiunctioned, officials said
“Several guests reported back pain after riding El Toro this evening,” said Gabriel Darretta, a Six Flags spokesperson. “Five guests were taken to a local medical facility for evaluation. The ride is closed for inspection.”
The state Department of Community Affairs had red-tagged the rollercoaster after an incident on June 29, 2021, meaning that it was shut down and placed under an engineering review.
Among wooden coasters, its height of 181 feet ranks fourth in the world, its drop height of 176 feet ranks second, and its maximum speed of 70 mph ranks third.
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