Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London
(Picture: PA)Footage has captured the horror moment a bungee ride malfunctioned at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, leaving two boys suspended in the air.
Police and the fire service were scrambled to the the popular festive attraction shortly after 10.20pm on Wednesday, to reports of two people trapped in a “slingshot” ride.
Video from the scene appears to show the boys, aged 14 and 15, before the accident happened, seated in a cylindrical cage-style carriage dangling from two bungee-style cords.
The video in the following tweet contains coarse language
Winter wonderland slingshot fail 😲😲 pic.twitter.com/u8Ai7Q6YCI
— ALBY LAD (@AlbyLad_) December 15, 2022
When the ride begins, it appears to malfunction sending the carriage careering into a post, and revolving in the air amid screams from crowds below.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “It was reported that two teenage boys had been in a fairground ride when one of the bungee cords attached to the cage had snapped. The cage was left suspended in the air.”
By the time officers and firefighters arrived, the cage had been lowered and the boys had left the scene, having been freed by on-site staff.
There were no reported injuries, but the Met says the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been alerted about the incident.
A Hyde Park Winter Wonderland spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a technical issue involving the reverse bungee occurred on Wednesday evening. Both riders were safely escorted off the ride, checked by our on-site medics and were not injured.
“Safety is our highest priority and the ride is closed while further investigation takes place. All of our rides undergo rigorous and regular safety checks by experienced members of staff trained in health and safety. We also provide regular training for all staff to ensure our visitors can enjoy a fun and safe experience.
“All other attractions at Winter Wonderland are operating as normal.”
The Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme added that the fault was not with the elastic cord or steel wire rope that support the Reverse Bungee ride, but rather a mechanical issue.
“We inspected the ride at 7am this morning and it was found that a technical issue had occurred within a sealed gear box that controls the release of the elastic cord and steel wire rope,” said a spokesperson. “The HSE has been informed.”
HSE said it is aware of the incident and conducting enquiries.
The annual Winter Wonderland event to “immerse yourself in all things festive” is open for six weeks until January 2.
