21 people trapped on Knott's Berry Farm ride in California, rescued after 8 hours

BUENA PARK, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Nearly two dozen people were trapped about 100 feet in the air for 8 hours aboard a thrill ride at Knott's Berry Farm theme park on Friday, officials said.

Orange County Fire Authority said the park's Sky Cabin attraction became stuck about 2 p.m. After rescue workers determine there was no ladder long enough to reach the enclosed ride, they used a rope system to lower all 21 passengers individually, including several children and a park employee. By 10 p.m., the final person was lowered to the ground. No one was injured during the incident, officials said.

"It sounds scary, but these guys, they train for this all the time," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz said. "We have very, very strong ropes that have 9,000 pounds of breaking strength on them."

The theme park said they made several attempts to rescue the passengers before calling authorities.

"Each of Knott's rides is inspected, check-listed and properly maintained daily. Sky Cabin will remain closed until the park's investigation into the cause of the incident is completed," theme park officials said.