World’s tallestroller coaster implodes at Six Flags Great Adventure

Kingda Ka, which was the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet high, was demolished last week in a series of controlled explosions at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, US.

The Intamin ride has been closed since November 2024 and work has been underway at the park to remove the station and track. On Friday morning, several explosions were set off at the base of the coaster's tower, causing the structure to collapse.

Second place to Kingda Ka for the tallest coaster record is Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain at 415 feet high. However, it is unclear whether it will be operating this season. This will also be surpassed by the 420 foot tall Top Thrill 2 when that ride reopens at Cedar Point. Next in line is the Red Force at Ferrari Land in Spain, which is 367feet high.

When it opens, Falcons Flight atSix Flags Qiddiyawill break several records, becoming the longest and fastest coaster in the world.

New ride for Six Flags Great Adventure

The coaster's demolition comes after Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced that it would be investing more than $1 billion over the next two years across its network of 42theme parks.

Following last year'smergerwith Cedar Fair, the company has said it will spend the money on new rides, attractions, themed areas, F&B upgrades, and infrastructure and technology enhancements.

A record-breaking launch coaster will replace Kingda Ka in 2026, with more details to come.

This year, Six Flags plans include the newAlpenFury coasterat Canada’s Wonderland, an expansion for Carowinds’Camp Snoopy, theRapterra coasterat Kings Dominion, and theRiverRacers water coasterat Kings Island’s Soak City.

Six Flags Great Americawill open arecord-breaking dive coastercalled Wrath of Rakshasa, and Six Flags New England is debuting the Quantum Accelerator launch coaster.

In addition to new rides and attractions, Six Flags will invest more than $80 million of the overall two-year spend in F&B upgrades, including new restaurant concepts and improved menus.