Credit: A Universal Orlando Resort roller coaster has caught fire, prompting firefighters to rush to the theme park to battle the flames as guests look on in horror and terror. Here’s the latest on this news.
Fire Engulfs Universal Orlando Resort Coaster as Firefighters Rush Onto Scene
If you’ve ever walked through Universal Studios Florida, you know the sound. That high-pitched whir of steel, the heavy click of a chain lift, and the pulse of music that made Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit one of the park’s loudest, most thrilling landmarks. For years, it loomed over the park’s skyline—an unmistakable splash of red against the Florida sun. But this week, that familiar sight became something no one expected to see again.
As Universal continues to transform its parks in preparation for new attractions and major expansions, longtime fans have been watching closely, documenting every last piece of the resort’s history. Each bolt removed, each section of track lowered to the ground, carries a strange sense of nostalgia and excitement. After all, change at Universal is nothing new—it’s part of what keeps the parks fresh, but it always comes with mixed emotions.
Still, what happened late this week wasn’t part of the plan. In fact, it left many fans in disbelief. Visitors who happened to be nearby shared stunned reactions online, while others speculated about the future of the park’s skyline and what might replace the once-beloved coaster.
A Fiery Twist at Universal Studios Florida
On Friday morning, the remains of the closed Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit caught fire at Universal Studios Florida, shocking both fans and crews working nearby. According to WESH 2 News, the fire was first reported around 11:42 a.m., with live footage showing firefighters battling flames on the coaster’s lift hill—one of the only remaining pieces still standing after the ride’s permanent closure on August 18.
LIVE: Closed Universal Studios roller coaster catches fire – @WFLA on X
LIVE: Closed Universal Studios roller coaster catches fire https://t.co/G4JLXrtweO
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) October 10, 2025
Screenshots captured from the live broadcast showed thick black smoke and visible flames scorching the iconic yellow supports and the red track high above the park. By 11:56 a.m., the flames were mostly out, but firefighters continued spraying the structure as smaller bursts of fire reappeared near the top. As of 12:04 p.m., the fire appeared contained, though the once-bright steel was left blackened and charred.
While no cause has been confirmed, demolition work in the area has been ongoing since the coaster’s closure, suggesting the incident may have been related to removal efforts.
What This Means for Universal Fans
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit wasn’t just a coaster—it was part of Universal’s identity for over a decade. Known for its customizable soundtrack and intense vertical lift, the attraction gave guests control over their experience in a way no other Universal ride did. Its absence already marked the end of an era, but Friday’s fire felt symbolic to many fans—a literal and emotional closing chapter.
Social media lit up with reactions ranging from shock to nostalgia. Some longtime parkgoers shared old on-ride photos, while others commented that watching it burn “felt like watching a piece of Universal history fade away.”
What Comes Next for the Park
Universal has not released an official statement about the fire or the timeline for clearing the remaining structure. However, the demolition area has long been rumored to be the site of a major future attraction, with fans speculating about potential replacements tied to newer franchises or music-based experiences.
As Universal continues forward with Epic Universe (open since May 22, 2025) and other expansions across its Orlando property, many believe the next chapter of the Studios park will lean into new technology and storytelling innovations. For now, the remains of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit stand as a powerful reminder of how quickly theme park history can change—and how deeply it resonates with the fans who lived it.