Movie World investigates ride malfunction

Movie World is investigating the operation of one of its roller coasters after a malfunction caused the evacuation of 20 passengers from the top of the ride.

File

File Source: AAP

Movie World has closed one of its biggest thrill rides to investigate a malfunction that left 20 patrons dangling from the roller coaster for 90 minutes.

Emergency services were called to the Gold Coast theme park just before midday on Wednesday after thrill seekers were left stranded at the top of the Arkham Asylum ride.

It took Movie World staff and firefighters more than an hour and a half in the 30C-plus heat to free the 20 passengers on board.

Sixteen were freed using standard evacuation procedures, but four required help from firefighters.

Queensland Ambulance Service operations supervisor Paul Young said the patrons - who ranged in age from 10 to 50 - were assessed when they were back on the ground, but none required medical treatment.

"They all looked a bit flushed and a bit hot as you would imagine, sitting in the sun," he said.

"They were in good spirits, they were laughing.

"No one appeared to be fazed by it."

Wednesday's evacuation came 11 weeks after a malfunction on Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids Ride caused the deaths of Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low.

The incident resulted in exhaustive safety audits for all Gold Coast theme parks.

The Queensland government gave every Movie World ride - including the Arkham Asylum roller coaster - the all clear in November.

It also claimed the park had "robust" systems in place for all of its attractions.

Movie World general manager Greg Yong said a "mechanical issue with the chain" had caused the roller coaster to stop.

Mr Yong said the ride would remain closed while the company investigated what happened.

"We don't see it being closed for an extended period of time but I can't really tell you anymore until we do a full analysis," he said.

"These kind of mechanical issues are something that takes a little bit of time for us to investigate."

A Department of Workplace Health and Safety spokesman confirmed two inspectors visited Movie World on Wednesday afternoon, however he said only "initial enquiries" were being made.

Passengers on the Arkham Asylum can opt to wear a virtual reality mask on the ride.

It reaches speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour as it weaves thrill seekers through "five stomach-churning inversions".

Movie World is not owned by the same company as Dreamworld.


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