Just after 4 p.m., on February 12th, Tampa Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a technical rescue at Busch Gardens, after 16 passengers became stranded on the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster. As TFR responders arrived on scene, they were advised of the unique circumstances of the incident. Four coaster cars, which had just left the station, became stranded at a crest where the track begins to bank. Approximately 60 feet above the ground passengers sat, stuck well-harnessed on coaster cars at a 30 degree angle. Rapidly approaching thunderstorm cells threatened to make rescue efforts just that much more difficult. Working diligently in rainy conditions, through the course of an hour, TFR crews used two aerial ladder companies, and an on-site cherry picker to remove the Cheetah Hunt passengers one-by-one. There were no reported injuries to coaster passengers or on scene Tampa Fire Rescue personnel. Following the removal of the last passenger, Busch Gardens’ officials began an investigation as to what caused the roller coaster malfunction. Tampa Fire Rescue responded to this technical rescue incident with 25 personnel.

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