N.J. theme park finally opens drop ride

A New Jersey theme park has finally opened what it calls the world’s tallest and fastest drop ride.

The Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom ride began operating Friday at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

Riders are hoisted 415 feet in the air and dropped back to the ground at 90 mph. Adding to the thrill: The park’s Kingda Ka roller coaster trains hurl toward riders on Zumanjaro at speeds of up to 128 mph.

The ride initially was scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. But those plans changed when construction work was delayed by a combination of high winds, snow and cold.

Park officials then planned to open the ride Wednesday. But that was postponed because state inspectors were still reviewing paperwork and had not granted an operating permit.