A weekend of Halloween fun at Canobie Lake Park took an unexpected turn when two rides malfunctioned a week apart, prompting emergency rescues and renewed attention to ride safety. While no one was injured in either incident, the park temporarily shut down both attractions as maintenance teams conducted inspections.
According to WMUR, The unrelated issues affected two of Canobie’s most thrilling rides: the Untamed roller coaster on October 18, and the Time Winder spinning ride on October 25. Both incidents occurred as the park was welcoming large crowds for Screeemfest, its annual Halloween celebration that runs through early November.
Time Winder Stops Mid-Air, 12 People Rescued
WMUR reported that around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, the Time Winder suddenly lost power, halting about 30 feet above the ground and leaving 12 riders suspended in midair.
The park’s maintenance crew initially attempted to restore the electrical system but called the Salem Fire Department when those efforts were unsuccessful. Firefighters used a tower ladder and the park’s own lift to help bring the passengers safely to the ground. The process took about 30 to 40 minutes.
“We were able to move it so that it was a little bit easier for us to help passengers get on to our tower ladder,” said Battalion Chief Corey Ward. “Canobie Lake Park had a lift there as well that we were able to assist passengers with to get them down safely.”
No injuries were reported.
In a written statement, Canobie Lake Park confirmed the incident and said the attraction would remain closed pending further evaluation.
“At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, our Time Winder attraction experienced a power issue,” the park said. “The 12 riders who were approximately 30 feet in the air were removed by members of the Salem, NH Fire Department in conjunction with the Park’s Maintenance Team in accordance with Park procedures. The attraction is currently closed until further notice.”
The Time Winder is a family-friendly thrill ride featuring four rotating arms with eight gondolas each, accommodating up to 32 riders. Its hypnotic spinning motion has made it a mid-level thrill favorite since its debut, though the park notes that certain body proportions may limit rider eligibility due to restraint design.
Untamed Roller Coaster Halts on the Lift Hill
A week earlier, on Saturday, October 18, the Untamed roller coaster came to a stop while ascending its steep lift hill, leaving riders temporarily suspended in their seats.
The incident occurred near the base of the climb, with the coaster’s eight-passenger car halted at an angle. Guests nearby initially thought it was part of a Halloween display.
“We were walking toward one of the haunted houses and looked up to see everybody on their back, dangling,” said visitor Kim Bowen. “At first, I thought it was part of Screeemfest.”
Park staff and emergency responders secured riders with safety harnesses and guided them down from the structure. The evacuation lasted roughly half an hour, and no one was hurt.
Canobie Lake Park said the coaster’s safety systems functioned exactly as intended, preventing further movement once the fault was detected. “The maintenance team is working to determine the cause of the interruption,” a spokesperson said. “The two incidents are completely separate issues.”
Untamed is one of the park’s signature attractions. It is a steel roller coaster known for its 97-degree drop and grizzly bear-themed cars. The ride was closed temporarily after the incident and was reopened once inspections were completed.
Park Operations Continue During Screeemfest
Despite the two recent ride stoppages, Canobie Lake Park remains open for Screeemfest, which runs through November 1 and features haunted houses, live shows, and nighttime roller coaster rides. The park said guest safety remains its top priority and emphasized that all attractions undergo daily inspections by maintenance personnel.
“Safety systems did exactly what they were designed to do,” said one park representative. “We’re grateful for the quick response from local emergency crews and for our guests’ patience.”
A Century of History at Canobie Lake Park
Canobie Lake Park’s history stretches back more than a century, making it one of New England’s oldest continuously operating amusement parks.
Opened in 1902 by the Hudson, Pelham & Salem Railways as a “trolley park,” Canobie began as a lakeside retreat featuring boating, picnics, gardens, and simple amusements. When automobiles replaced trolleys, attendance declined, and the park briefly closed in the late 1920s.
A revival came in the 1930s when a local inventor restored the property and added the Yankee Cannonball wooden coaster in 1936; a ride that still operates today. By mid-century, Canobie had become known for its ballroom and live entertainment, hosting performers like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and later, Sonny & Cher and Aerosmith.
In 1958, three friends from New Jersey purchased the park and began modernizing it, paving much of the midway and expanding its attractions. Today, the 85-acre park features more than 85 rides and games, blending its nostalgic charm with modern thrills while maintaining its reputation as “New England’s Best Family Value.”
Park Operations Remain Open
While the Untamed and Time Winder rides remained temporarily closed, the park continues to operate normally, with Screeemfest drawing strong crowds as Halloween approaches. Officials said both attractions will reopen only after thorough maintenance and safety reviews are complete.
For longtime fans, the recent incidents serve as a reminder of both the complexity and care involved in maintaining a park with more than a century of history. The park will continue with a future that continues to spin, soar, and entertain on the shores of Canobie Lake.
