Nearly 200 people were led to safety after a harrowing incident at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, located at the Central Harbourfront. The wheel malfunctioned on Thursday afternoon, leaving riders stranded as the attraction remained stationary for a nerve-wracking 40 minutes. Police and firefighters swiftly responded to the scene just after 5 pm, following distress calls for assistance.
Technical Failure Triggers Safety Procedures
The operator of the Observation Wheel disclosed that a technical failure in the “secondary system” prompted an automatic stoppage as a precautionary safety measure. This unexpected halt in operation led to a brief period of uncertainty and concern among the 190 passengers aboard the wheel.
Safe Disembarkment and Investigation
Fortunately, operation resumed at 5.30 pm, and all passengers were safely escorted off the wheel 15 minutes later. Despite the successful evacuation, some visitors, like Meizi and John from the Philippines, expressed disappointment over the interruption in their experience. They shared their frustration, stating, “We’re kind of disappointed … we’re upset because we actually just [came] here to experience. Now it’s closed, we’re not sure why. We’ll go somewhere else, I think.”
In response to the incident, the Development Bureau has requested a detailed investigation report from the operator to shed light on the root cause of the malfunction. While acknowledging the operator’s commendable track record in managing the attraction over the years, the bureau emphasized the importance of learning from this episode to prevent any recurrence in the future.
Operator’s Commitment to Safety
The Entertainment Corporation Limited, the current operator of the Observation Wheel, was recently awarded a tender to oversee the management of the wheel until 2029. Despite this unforeseen disruption, the company remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to the iconic landmark.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities and stakeholders are working together to address any underlying issues and reinforce safety protocols for the continued smooth operation of the Observation Wheel. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
