TAMPA, FL (WFLA) – Denney calls it intense. His heart was among many racing on Thursday afternoon as one of Busch Gardens’ most popular attractions came to a screeching halt.

The SheiKra somehow malfunctioned around 3:45 pm, and 64 people were stranded high in the sky. One of the trains was stopped just before the top of the ride’s 200-foot-high hill. The second train was a few yards ahead, just feet from the big drop, leaving riders facing straight down.  No one was injured, according to Busch Gardens.

It was a moment riders will never forget. Staff members from the park tried to calm riders’ nerves.

“They were very professional. They kept telling us to calm down,” Rufus told WFLA-TV.  “Like I said, it is an intense ride.”

The terror lasted an agonizing 2 and a half hours. Some riders took photos. Others posted on social media. Some even waved at WFLA’s helicopter.

But, there were many who were scared and shaking. “The ambulance people showed up because riders were having panic attacks,” Rufus said.

In the end, no one was injured. Everyone was safely evacuated.

Some riders told WFLA-TV it was a sensor issue, however, officials have not confirmed that. Busch Gardens is currently looking into the incident.

The SheiKra is closed until further notice. WFLA-TV asked Rufus if he would ride the SheiKra again.

“Maybe not, maybe not,” he said with a chuckle.What others are clicking on: