A terrifying roller coaster malfunction at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, left two men suspended nearly upside down at the peak of a 130-foot drop, facing the ground at a 90-degree angle for close to an hour before they were safely rescued.

The incident occurred during a nighttime ride on the “Tilt” roller coaster, when the car carrying Matthew Cantu and Nicholas Sanchez abruptly stopped mid-ride. Video footage from the scene shows the coaster frozen in a vertical position, leaving the riders staring straight down toward the ground far below.

With no immediate movement from the ride and unsure how long the situation would last, the two men called 911 while still trapped in the stalled car. Emergency responders arrived quickly and coordinated a rescue operation as park officials worked to secure the ride and ensure the riders’ safety.

For approximately 45 minutes, Cantu and Sanchez remained suspended high above the ground, exposed to the elements and the psychological stress of the precarious position. Despite the alarming circumstances, first responders were able to safely bring both men down without injury.

Following the rescue, the riders credited the rapid response of emergency crews for the successful outcome. Park officials have not released detailed information about the cause of the malfunction but confirmed that the ride was shut down for inspection following the incident.

The dramatic rescue highlights both the potential risks associated with high-thrill attractions and the importance of swift emergency preparedness. While shaken, both riders emerged unharmed, bringing a tense situation to a safe conclusion.