Technical fault in wheel caused Linnanmäki Salama ride to malfunction

A technical fault in a wheel caused the Salama ride at Helsinki’s Linnanmäki amusement park to jam mid-ride on Thursday evening, trapping four people in a carriage five metres above ground, Yle reports.

The fault has been located and repaired, according to Satu Orismaa, the park’s safety, responsibility, and event manager. The ride will undergo test runs and a full inspection before returning to service.

Firefighters and park staff worked together to rescue the passengers, who waited about 30 minutes for help. No injuries were reported. The passengers, including both children and adults, were guided down ladders with safety ropes.

Fire chief Petri Strandberg said the group remained calm during the rescue. He noted that the fire department and Linnanmäki conduct joint emergency drills before each season.