Rescue crews free 14 stranded on amusement ride in Kouvola

Emergency responders rescued 14 people trapped 30 metres above ground at Tykkimäki amusement park in Kouvola on Sunday after a technical fault halted the Star Flyer ride, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Kymenlaakso rescue service lowered the stranded riders to safety using a hydraulic platform, an operation that lasted approximately two hours. First responders arrived at the scene around 5:30 pm local time.

Park director Pilvi Serola confirmed the ride will remain closed until the cause of the malfunction is identified and repairs are completed. The Star Flyer, the tallest attraction at Tykkimäki, reaches a height of 72 metres and can accelerate to speeds of 70 km/h during operation.

All rescued individuals were examined by emergency medical personnel and reported to be in stable condition. Rescue chief Mika Ruokolainen noted that those stranded had remained calm throughout the incident.

Tykkimäki has offered compensation to affected visitors, extending their wristband access to account for lost time. Serola acknowledged the disruption but stated the technical issue did not pose a direct safety risk.

The park and rescue services have previously conducted joint drills for high-altitude evacuations. A similar incident occurred in 2011, when a single rider required assistance after the same attraction stalled mid-operation.