Kingda Ka, previously renowned as the tallest and fastest roller coaster globally, has been reduced to rubble following its implosion at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey on Friday morning. The demolition was conducted ahead of schedule at the amusement park located in Jackson Township.
The Ocean County prosecutor’s office had earlier informed the local community via Facebook that they might hear a series of explosions between 9 and 10 am, advising residents to be cautious, especially those with pets sensitive to loud noises. There was no cause for alarm, the post confirmed.
Six Flags decided to retire Kingda Ka, which began operations in 2005, to make way for new attractions. At its peak, Kingda Ka launched thrill-seekers to a staggering speed of 205 km/h, holding the record for height throughout its operational life, although it was later surpassed in speed by the Formula Rossa roller coaster at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, which reaches up to 239 km/h and opened in 2010.
Since its debut, Kingda Ka has welcomed over 12 million riders. In addition to the coaster’s removal, other rides like the Twister, Parachute Tower, and The Sky Way cable car will also be dismantled.
Looking ahead, the park is anticipated to introduce The Flash: Vertical Velocity, the world’s first super boomerang roller coaster, later this year. Additionally, a “multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster” is slated for a 2026 release, marking an exciting new chapter for Six Flags Great Adventure.
With the implosion of Kingda Ka, the park is entering a new phase, promising exhilarating experiences for thrill-seekers while bidding farewell to a coaster that has served as an iconic attraction for nearly two decades.