Kennywood's Thomas Town Train Derails Again

PITTSBURGH, PA - The centerpiece of Kennywood’s new $8 million Thomas Town attraction was temporarily closed Wednesday after the train ride went off the tracks for the second time in three days.

WPXI-TV reported the second Journey With Thomas derailment occurred at around 6 p.m. Thursday. The West Mifflin amusement park issued a statement to the station saying the ride will be closed until the maintenance staff can determine the cause of the problem and correct it.

It’s not been the best week for Kennywood officials. In addition to the Thomas Town troubles, the brakes failed Wednesday on the Pirate. Passengers stuck on the pendulum-like ride for about 10 minutes until crews could stop it.

No injuries were reported, but several people reportedly became nauseous during the extended ride, which finally ended when workers engaged a secondary braking system.

Thomas Town opened a week ago to considerable fanfare. No problems have surfaced with its other rides, which include Harold’s Helicopter Tour, Flynn’s Fire Training, Diesel Drivers and Cranky’s Drop Tower.

Photo: Eric Heyl/Patch staff.

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