19 People Rescued After Southwick's Zoo Ride Mishap

MENDON, MA — Firefighters rescued 19 people from a broken ride at Southwick's Zoo on Friday afternoon, according to local fire departments.

The Skyfari Sky Ride at the Mendon zoo stopped working near 3 p.m. Friday, leaving 12 adult and seven children stranded high off the ground, according to the Auburn Fire Department.

Technical rescue teams from Massachusetts Fire District 7 — a consortium of 25 departments in southern Worcester County — responded to the zoo to help patrons get off the stuck ride. Firefighters from Mendon, Auburn and Bellingham were all part of the rescue.

The ride is similar to a ski lift, giving visitors an overhead view of animals on display at the zoo.