This file photo taken from a Mainichi Shimbun helicopter in May 2024 shows the observation wheel at Expocity in Suita, Osaka Prefecture. (Mainichi/Tadashi Kako)
SUITA, Osaka — A Ferris wheel in this city in Osaka Prefecture broke down Nov. 25, leaving 20 people stuck onboard while firefighters worked to extract them.
The “Osaka Wheel” in Suita’s commercial “Expocity” complex came to an emergency stop at around 5:45 p.m., leaving riders stuck inside the gondolas of the 123-meter attraction, the tallest of its kind in Japan. Emergency services proceeded with rescue efforts and all onboard were rescued by about 2:40 a.m. the following morning, approximately nine hours after it stopped. There were no injuries, but one passenger reportedly complained of feeling unwell.
According to the operating company, the system for controlling the observation wheel malfunctioned due to a lightning strike, leaving firefighters and staff moving it manually. Two groups, totaling seven people, were rescued using a ladder truck.
(Japanese original by Takashi Kawachi, Osaka City News Department)
AloJapan.com