World’s tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka at Six Flags in New Jersey, is being demolished

Kingda Ka, once the world’s tallest roller coaster, is being demolished after the ride at Six Flags Great Adventure closed in November.

From the time it opened in 2005, it held the world height record at 456 feet and the U.S. speed record at 128 mph. Over 12 million rides were taken on the coaster, Six Flags Great Adventure said when it announced its closure and a plan to replace it with another record-breaking roller coaster.

Toppling the tower was originally scheduled to occur between Feb. 11 and Sunday, per a permit filed in Jackson Township, according to Shore News Network.

That was delayed due to inclement weather, with no new date announced.

Coaster aficionados have been coming to the area and parking along New Jersey County Route 537 in hopes of seeing the ride come down.

“A lot of people are still emotionally attached to Kingda Ka. It’s a really big deal for it to come down. It’s one of the first things you see when you drive in, before you even get to the park. It’s just been so iconic,” American Coaster Enthusiasts New Jersey representative Matt Kaiser told USA Today.

When the coaster’s retirement was announced, Six Flags Great Adventure President Brian Bacica said, “We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences.”