CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Workers began the process of removing the cracked support beam of the Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds Wednesday following nearly two weeks of inspections.
Carowinds announced that cranes were assembled at the park Wednesday to hold the coaster's track in place while workers remove the cracked support beam. A new beam built by Bolliger & Mabillard, the manufacturer of Fury 325, is expected to be delivered to the park Thursday for installation.
"Our skilled associates will diligently install the column, ensuring precise alignment and securely fastening the track/column connection," a Carowinds statement reads.
After originally telling the Associated Press that the crack may have started at least six to 10 days before a viral video was shared, North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson told WCNC Charlotte on Wednesday that officials aren't sure when it formed, but they're investigating and hope to learn more once the beam is removed from the ride.
"I was just simply restating what had already been reported in the media, not trying to give new information," Dobson said. "We do not know how long the crack had been there. That is a part of the investigation. We may not ever know the specific day that the crack actually started."
An emergency call from a park-goer was released on Wednesday. In the call, the park-goer says he's seen a "massive separation" causing the roller coaster to shift as the cars come around.
"It is extremely hazardous," the caller said.
Carowinds sits on the North Carolina and South Carolina border and is inspected by engineers in both states.
WCNC Charlotte got a look at the inspection records from 2020 to 2023 for the North Carolina side of the park.
Inside the documents show dozens of coasters, including Drop Zone, the Carousel, and Fury 325 get the green light each year following an inspection.
"We take a comprehensive look at the ride itself," Dobson said. "From training records, we look at the speed of the roller coaster, we look at the thickness of the nuts and bolts."
Dobson said his inspectors, which perform yearly checks, have been helping investigate what allowed the crack to form on the Fury in June. He said, during this year's check, the Fury only had minor issues related to signage, which were immediately corrected.
Carowinds said the park also has daily checks performed on the rides.
"Thank God no one was injured," Dobson said. "It's rare. So that makes it difficult to determine immediately how something like this can happen."
A structural engineer with decades of experience inspecting amusement park rides said this situation doesn't happen often, as industry experts agree rides are generally safe.
"Occurrences like this are extremely rare," Michael Hupalo said. "If everything looks right, it probably is. But it is machinery and it needs to be properly maintained."
Carowinds said Wednesday that once the new support beam is installed, the ride will go through the park's standard safety protocol and a comprehensive series of tests to ensure the ride's safety and integrity. The park plans to operate Fury 325 through 500 full cycles before asking B&M and a third-party testing firm to examine the coaster.
Following those tests, Carowinds will meet with the North Carolina Department of Labor for further evaluation.
"Every step of the process, from material delivery to installation, will be carefully monitored and adjusted as necessary to uphold the integrity of the structure," Carowinds said in a statement. "Carowinds is fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision throughout the project."
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