They expected a night of thrills on a new ride. They ended up trapped in the air for hours.

Rescue crews saved 16 people, including kids as young as 5, after a popular theme park ride broke down on Friday night.

Imagine dangling high in the dark, wondering if anyone is coming to save you. That fear became real for families who just wanted a fun night out.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Friday evening around 7:30 p.m., the Wave Twister ride at Adventureland ground to a sudden stop.

The breakdown trapped 16 riders in mid-air. The group included kids as young as 5 and adults up to 40.

Rescue teams from three local fire departments rushed to the park in East Farmingdale. Crews used high ladders to carry each scared rider down to safety.

What the evidence shows

• 16 riders stuck in the air.
• Riders trapped 25 feet above the ground.
• 3 local fire departments helped with the rescue.
• The ride is part of a $10 million upgrade at the park.
• The ride was built by a firm named Ride Engineers of Switzerland.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Theme parks are supposed to be safe. We trust these big machines with our lives and our kids.

When a new, multi-million dollar ride fails, we have to ask why. Are safety checks thorough enough before these rides open to the public?

THE OTHER SIDE

Adventureland did not reply to requests for comment about the breakdown. It is unclear if the Swiss company that built the ride has responded to safety concerns yet.

This makes it hard to know if a surprise glitch or a deeper issue caused the ride to fail.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The park is quiet for now, but local parents will likely think twice before letting their kids on the Wave Twister. Safety inspectors will have to check every inch of the ride before it can open again.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

What mechanical failure caused the ride to stop?

• Did the park test the ride properly before opening?
• Will state safety officials fine the park for the incident?

SOURCE NOTE

Based on reports from the New York Post and local fire officials. All charges are allegations - Adventureland is presumed innocent until proven guilty.