News: UPDATE: Timber Tower strands riders near the top

Posted at 7:44 AM EDT (1144 GMT)

Jun. 17th, 2007 -- Forty four guests were stranded on Dollywood's Timber Tower amusement ride Saturday night as the attraction was beginning its cycle.

According to sources, the passenger vehicle became stuck at the top of the tower, causing the ride's emergency safety system to engage. The passengers remained at the top of the tower for nearly three hours while waiting to be rescued.

While no one was hurt, the nearby Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Fire Departments were called in to help get the guests off the ride.

A spokesman for Dollywood noted that Timber Tower will remain closed pending an internal investigation.

Built at Dollywood in 2006, Timber Tower is a "Topple Tower" type ride, manufactured by the German company HUSS Maschinenfabrik. It is the first ride of its kind to be built within the United States.

Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens issued this release on Sunday...

First and foremost, Dollywood sincerely regrets the inconvenience and interruption of our guest’s day. At approximately 6:45 PM a safety system engaged on the Timber Tower locking it at its upper most point.

As per safety procedure, the Pigeon Forge Fire Department and the Sevierville Fire Department were called to assist in the removal of the passengers. The 38 riders who were inconvenienced were not injured.

Ride safety systems engaged properly and Dollywood’s Safety Plan was executed appropriately. Dollywood management met with the riders and their families to assess and satisfy their needs for food, clothing, lodging and transportation. The ride will remain closed until the incident is investigated by a third party.

For more, visit WBIR Nashville.