Wind gust strands 18 on upside-down roller coaster in China
HEFEI, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Strong winds brought a roller coaster to a halt at the top of its loop in east China's Anhui Province, stranding 18 passengers upside down for about half an hour, an official said Wednesday.
Zhang Shengying, the deputy director of the Wuhu municipal bureau of quality and technical supervision, said an investigation revealed that the accident had been caused by extreme weather at the Wuhu Fangte Amusement Park, Anhui Province.
The equipment was in good condition and the weather was suitable when the coaster began its journey shortly before 2 p.m. Monday, Zhang said. But a sudden gust halted the coaster, which was then locked to the loop by safety devices, with the passengers hanging upside down.
Vice general manager of the park Wang Qicheng said the facility would suspend operations for a month for a complete overhaul before reopening to the public.
Six of the 18 passengers felt ill after the accident and were sent to the hospital, but all had been discharged by that evening.
Wang said some passengers were demanding compensation and the park management was negotiating with them.
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