Riders Stranded in Mid-Air for Over an Hour After Theme Park Ride Malfunctions

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About 17 passengers were stranded for over an hour after the Wild Twisters ride experienced a malfunction at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park on Sunday, August 10. The incident left riders trapped mid-air as the ride came to a standstill due to a signal failure. Fortunately, all individuals were safely rescued with no injuries reported.

The Wild Twisters thrill ride at Ocean Park in Hong Kong encountered technical difficulties that led to the suspension of the attraction around 6:20 p.m. local time on the fateful Sunday. The safety mechanism detected a failure signal, prompting the ride’s operators to take action. With assistance from the Fire Services Department, passengers were safely guided to exit the ride by 7:37 p.m., easing what must have been a harrowing experience for those stranded high above the ground.

Footage of the incident captured the unsettling scene of passengers seated and secured in the air as the ride failed to operate as intended. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) explained that a sensor malfunction triggered the safety system to halt the ride’s operation. Following the ordeal, EMSD requested Ocean Park to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the ride’s safety before reopening to the public. The authorities are committed to preserving the well-being of park visitors and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Ocean Park, established in 1977, holds the distinguished status of being the largest theme park in Hong Kong and the second-oldest in the city. Unfortunately, this malfunction is not the first of its kind at the park. Previous incidents involving the Wild Twister ride in 2021 and the Tower attraction in May of this year indicate a pattern of technical challenges that necessitate close monitoring and swift corrective actions to uphold visitor safety.

As a response to the latest malfunction, Ocean Park initiated comprehensive inspections and repeat testing for the Wild Twister ride to address any underlying issues that may compromise rider safety. The park expressed appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of the affected passengers during the incident. The safety and satisfaction of guests remain a top priority as Ocean Park strives to deliver enjoyable experiences within a secure environment for all visitors.

The occurrence serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in amusement parks to safeguard the well-being of guests. Incidents like these highlight the need for continuous monitoring, maintenance, and prompt response to technical faults to prevent interruptions to park operations and ensure the smooth functioning of rides.

As Ocean Park and EMSD continue their investigation and assessment of the Wild Twister ride, visitors can expect enhanced safety measures and rigorous testing to uphold the park’s commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all guests. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

The management of Ocean Park and the relevant authorities are working diligently to address the root cause of the malfunction and implement preventive measures to uphold the highest standards of safety in their operations. Visitors can look forward to a renewed focus on safety and reliability as Ocean Park strives to maintain its reputation as a premier destination for thrilling entertainment experiences in Hong Kong.