Old Hersheypark Rollercoaster Temporarily Stops, Visitors Evacuated

On Sunday afternoon, thrill-seekers riding the park’s oldest rollercoaster, The Comet, were evacuated after the train halted unexpectedly due to an off-ride guest issue. The 75-year-old wooden coaster stopped around 5 p.m., bringing riders to a halt during one of its initial ascents.

Park representatives confirmed that staff safely guided all guests off the ride without incident and resumed operations afterward. The coaster, installed in 1946, features gentle drops and bunny hills, with no upside-down elements, making the halt less risky. During the stopping, onlookers captured footage of guests walking back down the track.

People boarding a roller coaster. — Riders were evacuated from the Comet after an off-ride guest issue.

Meanwhile, The Comet is now shaded by newer, more intense coasters across the park, like Skyrush—famous for its steep drops. Hersheypark has faced a turbulent summer including a recent incident where a lost child was found on the monorail line and rescued by a vigilant parent who scaled a stand to reach him.

Comet roller coaster station. — Just last week, a lost boy wandered onto the monorail track and was rescued by his father.

The brave father credited his quick response and instincts in acting swiftly when he saw the child, who had gone onto the rail line, act calmly when rescued. Metro officials confirm the monorail was not operating at the time.

Aerial view of the amusement park's roller coasters. — The park’s oldest coaster, The Comet, viewed from above.

Hersheypark’s summer has also been marked by tragedy; in July, a 9-year-old girl drowned in the waterpark’s wave pool. Her drowning occurred after she appeared to go into distress, despite efforts by a lifeguard who performed CPR. The girl was remembered as a bright and loving child, whose joyful spirit touched many.