A family’s visit to the iconic London Eye turned from excitement to anxiety as Storm Henk battered the city on Tuesday, exposing them to the elements more than 400ft above ground.
The family of 11, headed by David Nock from Bournemouth, Dorset, found themselves stuck in a pod when strong winds forcefully ripped open the hatch at the top of the observation wheel.
The trip, intended to be a highlight of their visit to the capital, took an unexpected turn when the London Eye began “flexing” on the ascent, struggling against the powerful gusts.
According to Nock, the ride intermittently stopped, leaving them stranded at the pinnacle for a nerve-wracking five minutes.
“The wind started playing havoc, ripping the emergency hatch off the top of the pod with a big crash. Obviously, we’re exposed to the elements. It was nerve-wracking,” recounted Nock.
The family’s concern extended beyond the immediate experience, contemplating the integrity of the pod itself and the potential danger posed by the detached hatch.
“The whole Eye was flexing at one point, and I did wonder whether they were stopping and starting because the wheels that rotate it weren’t getting traction,” shared Nock.
“Equally, on the way down, there were stops and starts, and then the hatch started crunching and squishing into the mechanism. That’s when I said, right, I’m going to push the emergency button.”
A spokesperson for the London Eye issued an apology, acknowledging the disruption caused by adverse weather conditions. “Due to disruption from adverse weather conditions yesterday, we took the decision to close the lastminute.com London Eye for a brief period.
The safety of our guests and staff is our number one priority, and we have multiple safety procedures in place on the pods.” The spokesperson clarified that an isolated technical issue occurred, prompting the closure.
The technical team ensured the safe disembarkation of guests and conducted rigorous checks before reopening the attraction later in the evening. Importantly, they asserted that no parts of the pod detached from the main structure, and no guests were injured during the incident.
“The London Eye is designed to operate safely in almost all weather, and conditions and wind speeds are constantly monitored. Occasionally, it may decide to close in the event of high winds or severe weather conditions,” reassured the spokesperson.
While the incident seems to be an isolated one, it raises questions about the safety protocols and mechanisms in place for one of London’s most beloved landmarks.
As visitors flock to experience the breathtaking views offered by the London Eye, ensuring the utmost safety during adverse weather conditions becomes paramount.
The family’s ordeal sheds light on the vulnerability of such attractions to the unpredictable forces of nature and emphasizes the need for robust safety measures.
It also serves as a reminder that even well-established landmarks can face unforeseen challenges, prompting a review of existing safety protocols.
As London Eye enthusiasts and tourists revisit this iconic attraction, they will likely do so with a heightened awareness of the potential risks involved, urging authorities to reinforce safety measures to guarantee a secure and enjoyable experience for all.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
