Six Flags has officially torn down Kingda Ka, the once-iconic roller coaster that held the title of the world’s tallest and fastest ride. The massive 456-foot-tall structure was brought down early Friday morning to make way for a new attraction at the amusement park.
The implosion was initially scheduled between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., but demolition crews took down the towering ride just before 7 a.m. SkyFOX captured footage of the moment the structure collapsed, leaving behind a pile of broken steel beams and shattered track pieces.
Built in 2005, Kingda Ka was a major draw for thrill-seekers, holding its record-breaking status for years. However, Six Flags made the decision last year to permanently close and demolish the ride, sparking disappointment among longtime fans.
“Using a hydraulic launch system that often caused maintenance issues throughout the ride’s two-decade life cycle, the ride reached a top speed of 128 miles per hour — a record that was eventually broken in 2010 upon the opening of Formula Rossa (which reaches 149 miles per hour) at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi,” Entertainment reported. “Even if it had remained open, however, Kingda Ka’s height record would’ve been broken in the near future upon the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City’s Falcon’s Flight, which will reach heights of nearly 640 feet when it opens later this year.”
What remains unknown is what exactly will replace Kingda Ka. Six Flags has yet to announce details about the new roller coaster being planned for the site, but given the legacy of its predecessor, expectations are high. While progress is important, many parkgoers hope that whatever comes next will live up to the reputation of the legendary ride that was just reduced to rubble.
