Kingda Ka at New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure, once the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, was reduced to a pile of rubble in a Friday morning implosion, write Laura Fay and Joe Brandt for CBS News Philadelphia.
The implosion at the park in Jackson Township took place ahead of schedule. Before starting, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office warned the residents in a Facebook post they may hear “a series of rapid explosions” from the direction of the theme park.
Kingda Ka opened in 2005, but was retired after two decades to make room for new rides, according to Six Flags. The coaster launched riders to a top speed of 128 mph. It held the height record throughout its lifetime, but the speed record was taken five years after its opening by Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
During its 20 years of operation, Kingda Ka has carried over 12 million riders.
The park is also removing the Twister and Parachute Tower rides along with The Sky Way, an elevated cable car.
Read more about Kingda Ka’s demolition at CBS News Philadelphia.
