Luna Park, parts of Coney Island evacuated as Astro Tower sways
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages in Stony Brook presents "Coney Island and Jones Beach: Empires by the Sea", an exhibit opening on June 14, 2013 in Stony Brook. Pictured is the Coney Island Cyclone Rollercoaster, 1953 Credit: Paul and Nancy Brigandi Collect
Luna Park and parts of Coney Island were evacuated Tuesday amid reports that the long-shuttered Astro Tower was swaying dangerously.
The FDNY responded to a 4:20 p.m. call saying the Astro Tower at the Brooklyn amusement park was swaying, said an FDNY spokesman.
Luna Park, The Cyclone, the Wonder Wheel and surrounding parts of Coney Island were closed off Tuesday evening.
Four FDNY firetrucks were on the scene, securing the area and standing by as a New York City building inspector examined the ride, according to the FDNY spokesman. The ride was closed in 2008, two years before Luna Park opened at what was the closed Astroland park.
Luna Park said on Twitter that "Everyone at Luna Park and in Coney Island is safe. We appreciate your support and patience."
The tower was designed to sway.
"The tower is supposed to sway by itself, but if we get a call, we have to investigate it," said the FDNY spokesman.
A building department spokesman confirmed an inspector was on site, but did not have more information.
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