Community Corner

Demolition of Jet Star Roller Coaster Gets Underway

Seaside Heights amusement ride has been an international symbol of Sandy's destruction

Crews from Weeks Marine have started dismantling and demolishing the Jet Star roller coaster, which has sat in the ocean off Seaside Heights since Superstorm Sandy struck Oct. 29. 

The demolition got underway prior to Prince Harry's visit to the borough Tuesday morning, and will continue for about 48 hours straight, said Toby Wolf, spokeswoman for Casino Pier, where the ride was formerly located.

Wolf said a piece of the ride will be kept and made into a memorial once the pier fully reopens. Construction on the pier, she said, will continue through the summer and rides will be added as the pier grows. 

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One new ride, called "Superstorm," a thrill ride named for the storm that destroyed the Jet Star, will launch this season.

Police Chief Thomas Boyd said one piece of the roller coaster's wreckage – a flag placed on top of it by a Lavallette man – is being kept by authorities as evidence in the trespassing case against him.

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wolf said Casino Pier expects to have 18 rides operating this season.

Mayor Bill Akers said reconstruction of the borough's boardwalk will be completed by Memorial Day weekend.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here