Rollercoaster breaks down mid air leaving terrified thrill seekers stranded at top

Seven children and 17 adults are being delivered food, water and umbrellas by rescuers

More than 20 people are stranded 45 foot up after a rollercoaster ride broke down in mid air.

Around 50 police, firefighters and paramedics are on the scene at the Six Flags America amusement park in Maryland, America, as terrified thrill seekers hang in the air.

CBS Baltimore are reporting that 17 adults and seven children are sitting upright near the top of the ride.

Firefighters are delivering food and water to the people stranded in the Joker's Jinx ride's six four-person cars, while umbrellas are also being handed over to shield them from the blazing sun.

Officer Paul Gomez told the Washington Post that his team were able to climb onto the ride and speak to the riders – and are now trying to devise the best strategy to bring them safely down to earth.

No one is injured but Officer Gomez admitted the rescue will not happen quickly.

“We’re not going to have people walking off the track,” he said. "We're trying to “make sure we’re doing it safer rather than faster.”