Video of Six Flags Great Adventure Kingda Ka roller coaster demolished after closure
Kingda Ka, once the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, was destroyed Friday at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey (Source: FOX 29 Philadelphia)
A record-breaking roller coaster at Six Flags in New Jersey collapsed Friday, ending a thrilling chapter in theme park history.
The Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure was dismantled by a ride demolition crew early Friday morning, three months after the ride was announced to be closing in November.
Aerial footage shows the roller coaster's metal structure collapsing, sending up clouds of smoke near one of the park's parking lots. The ride opened in 2005.
Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, a drop tower connected to Kingda Ka, was also destroyed during the demolition. It opened in 2014 and closed the same day as the famous roller coaster.
Kingda Ka, once the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, was destroyed Friday at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
Kingda Ka was considered one of the most famous rides at the Jackson, New Jersey theme park and the tallest roller coaster in the world. With a maximum height of 456 feet, the roller coaster held its world record until it closed in November.
The Kingda Ka ride began by propelling passengers to 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest roller coaster in North America. After rocketing passengers down the vertical track, Kingda Ka offered a 418-foot drop, also setting the record for the longest drop of any roller coaster in the United States.
Six Flags officials said the closure of Kingda Ka was necessary to make way for a “record-breaking roller coaster” scheduled to open in 2026, although details about its successor are not yet available.
Kingda Ka operated for nearly 20 years before closing last November. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
“We understand that it can be difficult to say goodbye to beloved attractions, and we appreciate the passion of our guests,” Six Flags Great Adventure President Brian Bacica said in a press release obtained by Fox News Digital. “These changes are an important part of our evolution and commitment to delivering exceptional new experiences.”
Six Flags announced that construction of the Kingda Ka replacement is part of a $2 billion investment planned for this year and next.
“The total investment, estimated at between $500 million and $525 million in 2025 and 2026, will include new rides, attractions, themed areas , restaurant upgrades and technology enhancements that are sure to deliver unrivaled levels of fun and excitement for guests of all ages,” the statement said.
Riders climb the second hill after ascending and descending the main tower of the Kingdom Ka roller coaster at Six Flags amusement park in Jackson, New Jersey. The coaster is said to be the tallest (456 feet) and fastest (128 mph) on Earth. (Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Six Flags Great Adventure for additional comment.
Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton, Ashlyn Messier and Christine Roussel contributed to this report.
Sourse: www.foxnews.com
