Eight students on a school field trip were left dangling high above a Texas amusement pier after a terrifying roller coaster malfunction froze the ride nearly straight up in the air.

The nightmare unfolded Thursday evening at Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas, where the Iron Shark roller coaster suddenly came to a stop with riders trapped about 100 feet above the ground.

The students were reportedly suspended at a near 90-degree angle several stories over the pier as fire crews rushed to the scene.

According to ABC 7, firefighters were called around 5:37 p.m. after the ride malfunctioned. The amusement park was shut down while rescuers worked to bring the trapped riders back to safety.

The stranded students were on a school field trip when the ride suddenly stopped.

One student, Cayce Escobar, told ABC 7 he was next in line when he heard the roller coaster make “a big bang” noise before it froze.

Escobar said the ride operator then began pressing several buttons before telling everyone waiting in line to leave the area.

What followed was a nerve-racking rescue operation that lasted for hours.

Firefighters used a ladder truck to reach the riders, who were stuck high above the pier with nowhere to go. Each student had to be removed one at a time, secured by rescue crews, and lowered in a basket attached to the ladder.

The final rider was not brought down until after 8 p.m., nearly three hours after the terrifying malfunction began.

Despite the frightening ordeal, officials said everyone made it out safely.

“We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe,” the Houston Independent School District said in a statement.

The Iron Shark roller coaster is one of the most recognizable attractions at Pleasure Pier, towering over the waterfront with sharp drops and dramatic twists.

But for the students trapped Thursday evening, the thrill ride turned into a real-life horror scene as they waited helplessly in the air while rescue crews worked below.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about what caused the malfunction.