Passengers on Oblivion at Alton Towers escorted off ride at 180ft
Passengers have been escorted off the Oblivion rollercoaster at Alton Towers’ today after it broke down.
Problems occurred on the Oblivion around 2.30pm with people left stranded just as it approached the highest point, it has been reported.
The ride, which features an 180ft drop, has been shut since while park staff worked to remove passengers safely.
Eye witness Jess, who took photographs of the rescue operation, described the events.
She said: “I noticed at about 2:30pm that the carriage had halted to a stop just before the top of the incline, we thought that it may stop momentarily but then noticed Alton Towers staff with safety harnesses on began climbing up at around 2:47pm, they waited with the people in the carriage, until around 3:17pm when official safety crew began climbing up to get people out.
“People were led down two by two, each descent taking approximately 35 minutes, Oblivion has now been shut due to what staff say are technical difficulties.”
A spokesman for Alton Towers said: “This afternoon Oblivion stopped after a sensor on the ride detected a minor technical fault. The ride performed exactly as it is designed to do. In line with our well-rehearsed procedures, guests were assisted from the ride. At no point was guest safety compromised.”
