Slingshot ride breaks at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland leaving boys hanging mid-air
Two riders were left dangling in mid-air when the slingshot ride at Winter Wonderland came apart last night.
The ride at the popular Hyde Park Christmas attraction uses bungee cords to launch a round pod containing two seats straight up as if fired by a slingshot.
But video posted to social media by other punters on Wednesday night shows it malfunctioning, with one of the cords coming loose immediately.
The pod lurched to one side, sending the two riders, believed to be teenage boys, clattering into one of the metal support beams.
After the impact, the seating pod was left hanging on its side with the pair trapped within.
Onlookers can be heard gasping in terror at the botch, with another clip showing Winter Wonderland staff blocking access to the ride afterwards.
The Metropolitan Police said it received a report that ‘two teenage boys had been in a fairground ride when one of the bungee cords attached to the cage had snapped’ and ‘the cage was left suspended in the air’.
It added that the two riders had left by the time officers and firefighters reached the park having been freed by staff.
No injuries were reported.
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.’
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