The Night the Starblaster Stalled: How Salem Fire Brought Everyone Home from Canobie's Sky-High Drama

Friday evenings at Canobie Lake Park? They usually mean laughter, the scent of fried dough wafting through the air, and the joyful screams from rides—you know, the good kind. But this past Friday, June 14th, something a little... different unfolded, casting an unexpected shadow over the usual summer fun. For ten park-goers, a spin on the towering Starblaster ride took a rather dramatic turn, leaving them quite literally hanging.

The Starblaster, a ride that truly catapults you into the sky, decided to, shall we say, take an unscheduled break. Around 7 o’clock, as the sun began its gentle descent, the ride simply stopped, leaving a handful of thrill-seekers suspended somewhere high above the bustling park grounds. It wasn’t a small pause either; this was a full-blown, "we need professional help" kind of stop. Honestly, it's the kind of scenario that probably pops into your head for a split second right before the safety bar clicks into place, only to be quickly dismissed. Well, for these folks, it became a very real, very high-up reality.

And so, the call went out. Quickly, the Salem Fire Department swung into action, arriving at the scene with the kind of calm professionalism you just hope for in these moments. It wasn't just the fire department, mind you; Canobie Lake Park staff were right there too, coordinating and assisting. It was, in truth, a well-oiled machine responding to a rather unique challenge. Rescuing people from a stuck amusement park ride? Not exactly an everyday call for most fire departments, but then again, they train for anything, don't they?

The solution? An aerial ladder, extending skyward, reaching out to those stranded souls. Slowly, methodically, and with immense care, each of the ten riders was brought back down to solid ground. Imagine the mixture of relief and perhaps a touch of residual adrenaline as each person’s feet finally touched earth. It’s quite the story to tell at the water cooler on Monday, you could say.

This intricate operation, from the moment the ride stalled to the last person safely on the ground, stretched for roughly two hours, wrapping up just before 9 p.m. A long couple of hours, certainly, for those dangling up high, and undoubtedly for their loved ones watching from below. The good news, and truly, this is the most important part, is that every single person was rescued without a scratch. No injuries were reported, which, given the circumstances, is a testament to the skill and precision of everyone involved.

Canobie Lake Park, for its part, released a statement reaffirming its commitment to guest safety. They mentioned, as one might expect, that all rides undergo daily inspections—a reassuring thought, honestly, especially after an incident like this. And for those who had their evening interrupted in such a memorable fashion? The park offered either a refund or passes for a future visit. A small gesture, perhaps, but a thoughtful one, acknowledging a truly unforgettable, albeit unplanned, adventure. Sometimes, even when the fun stops, the spirit of adventure—and the kindness of strangers—still manages to shine through.