Despite their extreme nature, roller coasters are statistically a very safe activity. Riders have only a one in 1.5 billion chance of being fatally injured on a ride. Despite a plethora of safety measures implemented to minimise the danger when 'roller coasters go wrong', it can still be an unpleasant experience when one of them breaks down.

12 guests at Universal Studios in Florida found that out the hard way yesterday when the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit broke down. A reported computer glitch caused the roller coaster in question to enter safety mode and come to a halt. Unfortunately for one group of riders, this happened to occur during the initial steep vertical ascent, 150 feet from the ground.

While safety mode ensured they were in no significant danger, it took Orlando Fire Rescue almost two and a half hours to safely assist the dozen passengers back to the ground. The sudden stop caused one rider to complain of neck pains, but no other injuries were reported.

You can watch a 'POV' video of the Rip Ride Rockit below to see exactly where the group in question got stuck:

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)