The lights went out over I-Drive New Year's Eve as the 400 feet tall attraction, The Wheel at ICON Park lost power leaving dozens of riders stranded high above the ground.
ICON Park on International Drive were hosting a New Year's Eve party, December 31, when the entertainment centres observation wheel, known simply as The Wheel lost power.
Videos and photos posted on social media appear to show sparks and smoke coming from one section of the wheel.
Orange County Fire Rescue said they received a report of a power failure at The Wheel at around 6,20 pm.
At the time of the power failure there were 20 pods occupied on the ride, with OCFR confirming that they had to rescue 62 people left trapped inside the pods during the incident.
Orange County Fire Rescue shared images on their social media pages, which we have shown here.
These images taken at the scene show the major rescue operation that the department undertook to safely rescue all occupants from the attraction.
OCFR confirmed an update via their social media confirming everyone had been rescued, with more than 60 people safely rescued from more than 20 pods by the departments rescue climbers on duty, with additional off duty rescue climbers also responding to assist if needed.
No injuries were reported at the scene.
The incident was captured by Kim Conleys who shared dramatic looking video footage on social media.
ICON Park confirmed in a statement late Saturday saying, “The Wheel lost power Saturday night and we’re working with the Orange County Fire Department to safely evacuate guests.”
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