Blackpool’s highly-anticipated Star Flyer ride broke down at the weekend and a local photographer captured the moment it happened.
Thrill-seekers were left stuck in their seats when Europe's tallest mobile ride broke down just hours after opening.
Petrified riders were left dangling in mid-air when the 213ft-high Star Flyer stopped working on Sunday (21 November)
It is thought the occupants of the ride's spinning carousel were stuck for around eight minutes before they were lowered down to safety in Blackpool.
Photographer Philip ‘Kermit’ Downie captured a video of the moment the Star Flyer broke down, leaving riders stranded half way up with nothing but air beneath them.
In the Facebook live, Philip can be heard saying: “I’m out here doing a little bit of photography of the ride that’s on the promenade – but it looks like the power has just gone out.
“Pretty glad I didn’t go on there now. All these people have just been left hanging.
“We will see how long it takes for the power to come back.
“… if you’re afraid of heights and you’re stuck up there now you wouldn’t be very happy.”
(Credit: Facebook/ Philip ‘Kermit’ Downie)
A spokesperson for Blackpool Promotions said the ride was out of operation for a “matter of minutes” and that all riders came down unharmed.
A spokesperson added: “The ride was not operational for a matter of minutes and fully open for around nine hours on the day, all people were brought down safely by the rides manual system and existed with ride within a few minutes.
“All people went back on the ride straight afterwards and had a fantastic time. This was a very minor issue in what was a fantastic day for Blackpool with many thousands of people coming and supporting the Star Flyer ride and wider Christmas offer in Blackpool.
“We are delighted to have the ride operating and providing a spectacular experience in Blackpool this Christmas. The next stage of the wonderland opens on Friday this week with food stalls, traditional rides, Santa’s grotto, VR experiences and much more.
“All we want is for the town to have a successful Christmas, for businesses to be able to gain additional revenue after a horrendous 18 months, children to be excited for Christmas and for everyone to have a great time.
“We hope that you come and enjoy your time with us and always welcome feedback on how we can improve going forward. The intention is to have this event every year to support Blackpool at Christmas.”
The huge ride, around half the size of the Blackpool Tower, had only opened on Sunday morning to the public.
It came to Blackpool as the star attraction for the Winter Gardens Wonderland Festival and was originally due to be located on St John's Square.
But council chiefs insisted it be dismantled and moved to the promenades because it was too big to be operate safely in the town centre.
It was later relocated to the Tower Festival Headland area of the promenade next to the ice rink.
A spokesperson added: “The ride will provide breath-taking views across the town and complement a wonderful Christmas offer for the town with the Winter Gardens Wonderland, Christmas By The Sea village and Star Flyer attractions all working together to provide a magical Christmas experience for everyone.”
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