Two adolescent lads had to be rescued after a faulty “reverse bungee” attraction at London’s Winter Wonderland left them dangling in the air in a cage.
The teenagers were on the ride in Hyde Park on Wednesday evening when the incident occurred, according to the Met Police.
According to the amusement park industry’s safety regulations, there was a “technical fault” with a gearbox.
Winter Wonderland said that both boys were escorted off the ride “safely.”
It was added that the ride would be closed pending an inquiry.
The Met Police and London Fire Brigade responded to the incident, however by the time they arrived, the cage had been lowered, the lads had fled, and no injuries were reported.
Met spokesperson: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been alerted.
London Fire Brigade verified on Twitter that it had responded to the situation, but no response was necessary.
The Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme, which visited the site on Thursday morning, issued the following statement through Winter Wonderland: “We can confirm that neither the elastic cord nor the steel wire rope supporting the reverse bungee gondola on which the public sits has broken or failed.”
The plan, developed by amusement park industry organizations, included: “This morning at 07:00GMT, we discovered a mechanical fault within the sealed gearbox that controls the elastic cord and steel wire rope release.
“The HSE has been made aware.”
A Hyde Park Winter Wonderland representative said: “We can confirm that the reverse bungee experienced a technical difficulty on Wednesday evening.
“Both riders were escorted off the ride safely, examined by our on-site medical staff, and found to be uninjured.
“Safety is our top priority, thus the ride is closed until further investigation.”
They further stated: “All of our rides are subject to frequent and stringent safety inspections by professional and experienced personnel.
“We also give regular training for all of our employees to guarantee that our guests have a fun and safe day.”
