Two riders experienced a frightening moment at an amusement park in London after a slingshot ride snapped and sent them crashing into a supporting arm.
On December 14, two unnamed people boarded a ride at Winter Wonderland - a popular Christmas attraction in Hyde Park - that is meant to launch riders into the air inside a metal-framed capsule, attached to stretchy cables.
What was meant to be a fun shot high into the air drastically changed after the slingshot ride malfunctioned and sent the pod crashing into one of the ride's support beams.
In footage shared on social media by a user that goes by the handle @AlbyLad, witnesses could be heard gasping in horror at what had just happened.
Watch the shocking moment below:In the video, one of the bands sprang up as planned while the other remained lax, sending the capsule veering to the side instead of upwards, leaving two terrified people, both believed to be male, suspended in mid-air.
After the footage of the incident was posted online, many users decided to share their reactions and exclaimed that the two riders should seek compensation.
One user wrote: "I used to love rides as a kid. 6 flags, Cedar Point, Disney, ate all of that up. But now? NOW? Couldn't pay me. I hope they're okay and I hope they sue."
Another shared: "You can never trust these rides they fold up onto a back of a lorry and are kept in place by a handbrake."
A third commented: "And that’s why I would not be on these pop-up rides, that wheel at winter wonderland is also unstable **"
A fourth said: "The older I am, the more I realize putting your life on the line like this is a foolish idea. All for some dopamine. I'm alright. If I were them, I would sue the living daylights out of them, they would be no more Winter Wonderland." (sic)
Another video posted on TikTok displays the staff at the popular attraction trying to move people away from the ride following the event.
According to the Daily Mail, a Hyde Park Winter Wonderland spokesperson addressed the incident in a statement that read: "We can confirm that a technical issue involving the reverse bungee occurred on Wednesday evening.
"Both riders were safely escorted off the ride, checked by our on-site medics, and were not injured," they wrote. "Safety is our highest priority and the ride is closed while further investigation takes place."
"All of our rides undergo rigorous and regular safety checks by experienced members of staff trained in health and safety.
"We also provide regular training for all staff to ensure our visitors can enjoy a fun and safe experience," they added.