Kingda Ka Comes Down At Six Flags Great Adventure

JACKSON, NJ — In the early morning light, Kingda Ka came tumbling down. Well, sort of.

The long-awaited demolition of the world's tallest roller coaster proceeded on Friday morning at Six Flags Great Adventure while many people were still having their morning coffee.

Though a notice Thursday afternoon from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said the coaster was due to be imploded between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Jackson Township police issued an update about 9:30 p.m. Thursday that it would happen between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday

News 12 New Jersey reported the coaster came down about 6:50 a.m.

Videos from people who saw the time change show the coaster from various angles as the explosions at the base of the 456-foot track brought it down.

Coliwood Studios shared this video, taken from across Route 537 outside the theme park.

Fox News 5 shared video taken from its helicopter. About a dozen explosions are seen before the track topples to the ground.

The aftermath of the implosion, with Kingda Ka in pieces on the ground, was captured by 6ABC in Philadelphia.

Jackson police had said no one would be permitted inside the theme park because of safety concerns during the demoltion.

"We advise everyone to stay FAR away from the scene and at no point, make any attempt to gain entry to get a better view and run the risk of being arrested and charged with Treaspassing. While this is being carried out by a professional company, explosives can be unpredictable," Jackson police said, with a thank you to the public "as the chapter closes on this historic attraction."

Kingda Ka, which sent riders soaring in the air at 128 mph for nearly 20 years, is being removed along with Green Lantern, the Twister and the Parachutes ride, park officials said in November. Also being removed is the Sky Way, the chair ride that carries people from the area near the log flume, known as Frontierland, to the area near the Joker and Harley Quinn rides.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 has shared photos of the ongoing demolition work on its Facebook page showing the progress.

Two new roller coasters are planned as part of a $1 billion investment into the theme park, which has been operating in Jackson for 50 years. Read more: Coaster Rumors Confirmed, $1B In Changes Coming To Six Flags