Kennywood's Thomas train ride closed after 2nd derailment

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Kennywood's Thomas train ride closed after 2nd derailment

Megan Guza | Friday, August 3, 2018 4:15 p.m.

Kennywood Park’s Journey with Thomas, a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed ride, opened July 27, 2018.

Kennywood’s new Thomas the Tank Engine-themed train ride derailed for the second time in three days this week, according to a park spokesman.

The train ride has only been open for about a week. It was part of an $8.5 million expansion at the West Mifflin amusement park.

Spokesman Nick Paradise said crews are working to correct the problem.

“The Journey with Thomas ride will be temporarily closed while our maintenance team investigates the cause of recent issues and identifies a lasting solution,” Paradise said in a statement. “Kennywood apologies to those guests inconvenienced by the situation.”

No injuries were reported.

The ride derailed Tuesday, just three days after its July 27 debut. Repairs were made, and the ride reopened Wednesday.

The train went off the tracks a second time Thursday and remained closed Friday.

Records from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the state department charged with tracking amusement ride inspections and accidents, show the the ride was last inspected July 27. Each ride in the park except for the SkyCoaster has been inspected in the past month.

The second derailment came a day after the park’s Pirate Ship — a giant pendulum ride that swings back and forth — malfunctioned and closed for the day.

The malfunction turned the 2- to 3-minute ride into a 10-minute excursion until crews could engage a backup braking system to stop the ride from swinging.

No one was injured, but paramedics responded to check on patrons, some of whom were nauseous and “a little shaken up,” Paradise said.

The park also recently announced a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed area that will include the park’s largest expansion in history and a new, record-breaking roller coaster — the Steel Curtain.

Read more local news happening in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County .

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@tribweb.com or via Twitter @meganguzaTrib.

Details

Thomas Town rides

Four new rides joined the iconic train inside Thomas Town at Kennywood Park. There are no maximum height requirements, so parents and older siblings can ride with younger ones.

Cranky's Drop Tower: The 45-foot tower ride will lift riders above Thomas Town before dropping them down. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall. Hand-held infants not permitted.

Harold's Helicopter Tour: Riders can control their own helicopter, piloting Harold up and down as they spin around. Riders under 36 inches tall must ride with a responsible person. Hand-held infants not permitted.

Flynn's Fire Training: Riders sit in fire engines and can spray water to put out a faux fire. Riders under 36 inches tall must ride with a responsible person. Hand-held infants not permitted.

Diesel Drivers: Passengers can ride aboard Diesel, Iron Bert and other engines on a track ride. Riders under 36 inches tall must ride with a responsible person. Hand-held infants not permitted.

Journey with Thomas: Riders will board at Kennywood Station. The ride meanders along a hillside overlooking the Monongahela River and the Edgar Thompson Works. Riders under 46 inches must ride with a responsible person.

Details:kennywood.com/thomastown