24 Dec 2008

Dozens trapped on Singapore wheel

1:55 pm on 24 December 2008

More than 100 people were trapped for six hours after the world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, broke down.

The wheel ground to a halt when one of the drive motors experienced a short circuit, a spokeswoman told AFP news agency.

About 173 people were on board at the time. Some were later lowered to the ground in harnesses, witnesses said.

The wheel is 165 metres high and looks out over Singapore's Marina Bay. It is 30 metres higher than Britain's London Eye.

One passenger who was trapped for several hours told Channel News Asia that the wheel jerked and then ground to a halt. She said about 10 people were in her cabin.

The wheel became operational in February, and a ride in it takes about 30 minutes.