VALENCIA, Calif. — An out-of-control fire seriously damaged the iconic Colossus roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California on Monday afternoon.
Flames charred a portion of the wooden roller coaster, which is closed for improvements, KTLA reported. Some of the track collapsed, tumbling to the ground far below.
Photos posted to Twitter showed a column of smoke rising from a high point on the ride.
Several fire engines were on scene and firefighters were dousing the flames.
The coaster ceased operating in mid-August after 36 years. It is set to be replaced by a hybrid ride called “Twisted Colossus.”
The old version of the popular ride dropped 100 feet and reached speeds of up to 60 mph.
In a statement, Six Flags said that the “the top of the lift hill” had caught fire during a day when the park was closed.
“There are no injuries and the fire is contained,” Six Flags stated. “Colossus is currently undergoing a transformation and has been closed since August 17.”
Fire breaks out on #Colossus rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain http://t.co/7HvMQ0VwU2 pic.twitter.com/UjRDNVR3h4
— L.A. Times: L.A. Now (@LANow) September 8, 2014
Portion of #Colossus just collapsed. @SixFlags @Sky5Tim live overhead. pic.twitter.com/jQeEcZzkiv
— Jennifer Thang (@jenniferthang) September 8, 2014
Magic Mountain update: #Colossus Ride on fire per @LACo_FD (pic via @vivalacloth) pic.twitter.com/Qpqloi1DYi
— Julie Sone (@ABC7JulieSone) September 8, 2014
Read more at KTLA.