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The former tallest rollercoaster in the world is being dismantled following an accident on a separate ride that has seen the complete demolition of Mexico City’s La Feria de Chapultepec theme park
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2022
The dismantling of Montãna Rusa represents the final stages of the park’s demolition Credit: Wikimedia
Nearly three years after closing, the demolition of La Feria de Chapultepec theme park in Mexico City, Mexico, is nearing completion, with the dismantling of the park’s Montaña Rusa rollercoaster following a fatal incident on a separate ride in 2019.
Two people lost their lives in 2019 after a train on the park’s Chimera rollercoaster derailed at 33ft (10m), killing them and injuring several others.
As a result of the accident, the park’s operational license was revoked after government officials ruled that the deaths occured as a result of a lack of maintenance, stating that the ride was not fit to be operational on the date of the accident. An investigation of the ride found damage to its tracks, support beams and joints, as well as broken safety bars, unmarked trains and screws not matching the ride’s specification.
The park’s subsequent demolition started in July last year and reached its final stage earlier this month as Montaña Rusa - a historic attraction that formerly held the record for world’s tallest rollercoaster - started to be dismantled.
Manufactured in 1964 by National Amusement Devices, the wooden Möbius loop coaster was an icon of Mexico City. The ride stood at 110 ft (34 m) tall and featured an 8,000 ft (1,200 m) continuous track and 80ft (24 m) drop.
Montaña Rusa was the signature attraction of La Feria de Chapultepec, which first opened in 1964 under the name Juegos Mecánicos de Chapultepec. The park was originally operated by the Mexican government until 1992 when it was purchased by Frupo CIE and rebranded to La Feria Chapultepec Mágico. In 2015 it changed hands again, with new owners Ventura Entertainment renaming the park La Feria Chapultepec.
Once demolition is completed, the park will be replaced by Parque Urbano Aztlán, a US$180m (€165m, £137.2m) development operated by Mota Engil México and Thor Urbana. Slated to open in 2023, the new park will feature live music stages, mild thrill attractions, gardens and art exhibitions. Park admission will be free with guests paying to use each individual attraction.
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