190 rescued as Hong Kong observation wheel 'malfunctions'

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 190 people were rescued after an observation wheel “malfunctioned” in Hong Kong on Thursday, officials said.

The incident at the Ferris wheel in the Central Harbourfront area of the semi-autonomous region of China happened at around 5 p.m. (0900GMT), an official RTHK broadcaster reported.

A spokeswoman for the wheel told Anadolu over the phone: “All the people have been rescued and the area has been cleared.”

“Now, there is no one in the area. All are safe,” the spokeswoman said, adding: “We still do not know the reason behind the malfunctioning of the wheel.”

Emergency response, including fire trucks, were on the spot for a rescue mission.

Ferris wheel, also known as Big Wheel, Giant Wheel or Observation Wheel, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating upright wheel with multiple passenger-carrying cabins.

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a 60-metre-tall Ferris wheel located at the Central Harbourfront.

It has 42 gondolas, including one VIP gondola with leather seats and a clear glass bottom floor. All gondolas are equipped with air conditioners and communication systems.