Nearly 200 people were trapped on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel for about 45 minutes after a fire alarm halted its operation on Thursday.
Authorities launched a rescue operation after receiving calls at 5.16pm that the Ferris wheel at the Central harbourfront had stopped running, with 190 people on it.
They said an electric meter box had emitted smoke before the power supply to the attraction was suspended. Ten fire engines and two ambulances were sent to the scene.
At about 5.50pm, all 190 riders returned to the ground after the 60-metre-tall wheel resumed running. No injuries were reported.
Some residents and tourists who had been trapped recalled their experience.
“It was so scary because not only did the wheel stop, the ventilation system and air conditioning also ceased to function,” said Liao Zhongyang, a local university graduate.
