Lightning strikes the AP

Zephon · November 25, 2010, 07:41:36 AM

I just heard on the local news that at about 1:30am, lightening struck the top of the American Plunge and started a small fire which was quickly put out by Station 10. The picture showed only minor damage to what I suspect is the small cubicle at the top of the lift just before the plunge. I would assume that that means AP will be closed for a time...oh wait...it's not open during OTC anyway is it. Here's a link I found after hearing that...no picture though: http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=361466

betamike · November 25, 2010, 08:13:50 AM

That's very unfortunate. On the "glass is half full" side of things, maybe insurance will kick in and provide MUCH needed upgrades to the AP!

sanddunerider · November 25, 2010, 08:15:45 AM

Now beta that is some very "constructive" thinking!

dwfan · November 25, 2010, 10:04:21 AM

They might actually upgrade the plunge. This won't happen but maybe they will redo the drop like Daredevil Falls's drop.

Here's a pic of Daredevil Falls drop at Dollywood.

http://www.dollywood.com/upload/rides/daredevil_falls_2.jpg

sanddunerider · November 25, 2010, 10:27:46 AM

excellent pic! I will be at the city sunday. try to ge some pics, if nobody has done so by then.

Zephon · November 25, 2010, 09:56:10 PM

From the picture I saw on the news this morning, I don't think the fire caused very much damage. A little to the roof of that dispatch tower from the looks of it. Certainly nothing elaborate enough to induce a major rebuild. Sorry guys.

sanddunerider · November 26, 2010, 09:23:01 AM

DARN!!

shavethewhales · November 27, 2010, 09:36:45 AM

I saw it yesterday. The control booth is completely gone, just two charred supports remain. It doesn't look too extensive though, they'll just have to rebuild the booth before the next opening day.

PastorDon · November 27, 2010, 10:09:50 PM

Here are some pics I took Friday morning of the top of the AP slide. Doesn't appear to be any undo damage to the structure aside from the booth at the top.

History Buff · November 27, 2010, 10:17:45 PM

FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!

kerrydale · November 27, 2010, 10:26:16 PM

This won't be seen as an excuse/opportunity to mothball the ride, will it?

Zephon · November 27, 2010, 10:59:26 PM

Wow! That's a lot worse than the picture I saw on the news. Still, it should be an easy rebuild.

rubedugans · November 27, 2010, 11:48:03 PM

StL news showed the control structure with what looked like very minimal damage, but then followed it up by saying that the fire could be seen for miles. That is much worse than what I expected. Good thing the fire was caught early. I am sure the logistics of fighting the fire up there...inside the park,,,after hours... could have been a bit tricky.

biscuitcreek · November 28, 2010, 11:34:41 AM

Good thing there is a fire station next to SDC!

History Buff · November 28, 2010, 01:04:44 PM

^The fire at the bottom of the hill has been going on for decades, and no one seems to care. In just one big wind could spread to that nice Opry House they built down there.

Anyway, this is why they evacuate those rides when lightning gets close.