SINGAPORE, Jan 25 ― The Singapore Flyer has suspended its operations due to a “technical issue”.
Management of the country’s iconic tourist spot said it is conducting a thorough check before resuming business.
“Due to a technical issue, Singapore Flyer has suspended its flight operations this morning to conduct a thorough check before resuming the flight,” the company said on its Facebook page this afternoon.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
The Singapore Flyer added that guests who are affected by the suspension can contact its customer service team at +65 6333 3311 from 9am to 10pm.
TODAY has reached out to the Singapore Flyer for details of the technical issue.
The world’s largest observation wheel began operations in February 2008. However, within 10 months, it faced four glitches, with one incident affecting more than 100 guests.
On December 23, 2008, 173 guests were trapped in the Singapore Flyer for more than six hours as an electrical malfunction before power was restored and the observation wheel started moving again.
The glitch happened at 4.50pm when a short circuit in one of the motor drivers affected the electrical supply to the Singapore Flyer, causing it to stop operating.
The passengers were on board 21 out of the 28 capsules at the time of the incident. Some passengers said they were stuck in stuffy capsules when the air-conditioning went off.
A sling-like device was used to bring several passengers down, one at a time. It took about 15 minutes to lower a passenger from one of the lower capsules to the open area on the third floor of the Flyer building.
About 50 personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force was sent to the site and were preparing to go up in nine team to rescue the passengers, when the power was finally restored. The wheel started turning again at about 11.10pm. — TODAY
