Imploding Kingda Ka Tower with Precision and Expertise

In early 2025, R. Baker & Son partnered with Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) to safely and efficiently remove the iconic 456-foot Kingda Ka roller coaster tower at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Once the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka thrilled millions before its closure in November 2024.

Proven Partnership for Complex Demolition

R. Baker & Son, a specialty rigging and demolition contractor headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, served as the lead contractor and, together with CDI of Maryland, engineered and executed the controlled implosion that safely brought down Kingda Ka's iconic vertical tower, drawing on decades of combined experience in complex dismantling operations.

R. Baker’s reputation for reliability, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation made us an ideal partner. CDI has previously collaborated with R. Baker on the Six Flags’ Parachute Ride demolition project in December 2024, fostering a highly coordinated and effective relationship.

Months of Preparation, Seconds to Fall

Demolition work began in January 2025, starting with careful track removal and preparatory dismantling. R. Baker & CDI’s planning process had begun months earlier, reviewing structural plans and designing specifications for a controlled implosion. By late February, the vertical tower was ready to fall in a single, precise motion. Site restoration and cleanup continued through April.

Equipment and Execution

R. Baker & Son’s team employed heavy demolition equipment, including excavators with shears, grapples, and hammers, along with cranes and man-lifts to safely remove high track sections. Crews cleared the area and removed non-essential structural elements to prepare for the implosion.

Engineering a Safe, Controlled Implosion

The Kingda Ka tower posed unique challenges due to its height and triangular support structure. The R. Baker team worked with our expert consulting engineers, reinforced the rear leg with concrete and bracing to ensure stability during the implosion. Bringing the roller coaster down within the pre-determined foot print.

In total, 36.8 pounds of explosives were strategically placed at 36 points along the tower, detonated over 4.9 seconds to control rotation and minimize air pressure impact. The result was a flawless fall, executed without damage or incidents.

Precision, Teamwork, and Safety

Throughout the project, safety and precision remained the top priorities. R. Baker & Son maintained a core team of 10-15 workers, while CDI deployed five experts to execute the implosion. The operation was completed with zero injuries, no environmental impact, and no community disruption.

Ending an Icon with Expertise

For thrill-seekers, Kingda Ka represented a record-breaking era of roller coasters. For R. Baker & Son and CDI, it was a testament to engineering, experience, and collaboration. The tower toppled exactly as planned, a controlled end to an iconic structure.

R. Baker & Son continues to combine skill, safety, and innovation to tackle some of the most challenging demolition projects across the country.

R. Baker & Son - Rigging & Demoliton Contractors 190 Boundary Road Marlboro, NJ 07746 732-222-3553

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