Power outage strands riders 300 feet up at amusement park

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Utility crews are examining a blown transformer that could have been responsible for a power outage that left riders stranded on at least three rides at the Carowinds theme park on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.

Multiple media outlets reported the power went out shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday.

No one was hurt, but it took about two hours to get people off at least one of the rides. The longest wait was for those on the Windseeker, a 301 foot-tall swing ride where the swings had to be manually lowered to the ground.

Riders stuck on at least two roller coasters were evacuated more quickly.

The three rides are open Friday. A park spokeswoman says three water-related attractions within Carowinds' water park are closed. Another ride, Whitewater Falls, also is closed.