Dozens of thrill-seekers experienced more adrenaline than they bargained for when one of Thorpe Park's most iconic rides suddenly stopped, leaving approximately 40 passengers suspended mid-air for over an hour in a dramatic safety incident.
The emergency evacuation unfolded on 'The Swarm' rollercoaster, a wing coaster that features a near-vertical 127-foot drop and multiple inversions. Park visitors watched anxiously as emergency crews worked to safely lower stranded riders from the immobilised attraction.
Emergency Response in Action
Eyewitnesses described a scene of controlled chaos as fire crews and park staff implemented emergency procedures. One visitor recounted seeing "ladders going up to the ride and people being brought down one by one" in a painstaking rescue operation that lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their involvement, stating they were called to assist with the evacuation of stranded passengers. The incident occurred during what should have been a day of summer fun at the popular Chertsey-based theme park.
Merlin's Safety Record Under Scrutiny
This incident raises fresh concerns about safety standards at Merlin Entertainment-operated attractions, coming years after the devastating 2015 Smiler crash at sister park Alton Towers that left multiple visitors with serious injuries.
A Thorpe Park spokesperson addressed the situation, stating: "The Swarm rollercoaster temporarily stopped on the ride circuit this afternoon. Our team safely evacuated all guests from the ride with the support of the fire service and the ride will remain closed for further safety checks."
The park emphasised that rider safety remains their "absolute priority" and that thorough investigations would determine the cause of the malfunction.
Industry-Wide Implications
Theme park safety experts are likely to scrutinise this incident closely, particularly given Merlin Entertainment's position as one of Britain's leading attraction operators. The company manages several high-profile UK destinations including Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, and Warwick Castle.
With summer holiday crowds expected to swell visitor numbers in coming weeks, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex engineering and constant maintenance required to operate these extreme attractions safely.
The Swarm, which opened in 2012 as Europe's first wing coaster, has been a major draw for the park, featuring multiple inversions and speeds reaching 62 mph. Its temporary closure for safety checks will undoubtedly impact visitor experiences during peak season.
