Two people were left trapped inside a bungee carriage at Winter Wonderland after a slingshot ride snapped, causing the carriage to crash into a support beam.
The terrifying incident happened on Wednesday night at the popular Christmas attraction at Hyde Park, where onlookers and those queueing for the ride were left horrified.
Footage of the incident, shared on TikTok, shows the two people seated in a metal spherical pod as the ride prepared to propel them into the air.
As the ride started to move, horror struck as the mechanism appeared to snap and caused the pod to crash into the support beam of the ride.
Two people were catapulted into the air before crashing into the metal structure of the ride. They were left hanging in the pod until they managed to be freed by staff, though the fire brigade was also called, My London reports.
Onlookers were left shocked by the incident and can be heard on the video as they seem shaken by what they have witnessed.
Another video shared online showed security encouraging people to disperse from the area.
A Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Spokesperson said: “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.
"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.
"All other attractions at Winter Wonderland are operating as normal.”
In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: "Firefighters were called to Winter Wonderland last night as two people were trapped inside a bungee carriage. They were freed by on-site staff and there was no action required by the Brigade."
Upwards of 2 million people visit Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland each year to get into the festive mood.
The incident comes just weeks after one person was rushed to hospital with 'serious injuries' after three people were thrown from a ride at a Winter Wonderland event in Cardiff.
Event-goers spoke of hearing a "massive bang" before people came off the ride shortly after 5pm on November 26 in Gorsedd Gardens.
Seren McCallum-Weller was at Winter Wonderland on the evening the incident occurred, celebrating her birthday with her family.
The 13-year-old told WalesOnline: "I was on the Ice Skater ride with my cousin. We were just having a fun time then we suddenly heard a massive bang. I didn't know what it was.
"We looked behind us and the ride was still going and then we saw a lady on the floor. We then saw a second lady who was pushed into the railings and the railings had moved. She was lodged in between the ride and the railings.
"I think a third lady was also thrown into the railings. There were a few children on the ride who were no older than 11 or 12."
Two patients were taken to the University Hospital of Wales and one remained there over the weekend, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
A spokesman for the watchdog said: “HSE is investigating reports of serious injuries on a ride at Winter Wonderland in Cardiff. Three people were thrown from the ride. One currently remains in hospital and is being treated for their injuries.”
