People have been talking about their alarm after being stuck at 118 feet in the air after a trip to The Hoppings in Newcastle experienced technical difficulties.
The Hoppings returned to Newcastle’s Town Moor on Friday for the first time in three years. And when the doors opened at 1pm, people headed straight to the fair which looks set to be huge this year, with live event performances, a gastronomic village, new attractions and the return of old favorites. .
But within three hours of the opening, people on the popular Speed Buzz found themselves stranded more than 100 feet off the ground as tour operators worked to resolve a technical issue with the trip.
Read more:Hoppings Survival Guide: From Advanced Planning to Sick Bags and Sunburn
The trip, which can accommodate up to eight people, spins at high speed. It has a four-person car at each end of the tour that spins as Speed Buzz spins.
One person who was on the trip with his friend at the time said, “We climbed to the top but then we were there for about 15 minutes. We didn’t know what was going on, but then someone said the support had broken.
“[My friend] At first I was scared to continue, but I convinced him to continue. It was white as a sheet, it was terrified. “
A woman who was on the trip before suffering technical difficulties added: “I told her before I went on the trip that the supports would break, I was just kidding, I didn’t expect it to really happen.”
Those on the trip said they were left leaning in their seats while staff worked to resolve the issue. Once everyone was out of the trip safely, those operating began testing, with no one able to get on until the staff made sure it was safe.
Everyone, including those waiting for the trip, received a full refund of the trip, which costs £ 5. One person who was waiting said, “We were waiting in line to get up, but we were reimbursed because they said it was broken. Some people have been sucked in there for about 20 minutes.” Another claimed to have seen a girl crying during the trip.
Speed Buzz operators, Crow Events, have been contacted for comment.
Read below: