Overview
- The Oosaka Wheel at EXPOCITY in Suita stopped at about 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 25 after a lightning strike disabled its power and drive system.
- Initial reports cited more than 10 passengers trapped, and by around 12:15–12:30 a.m. on Nov. 26 three groups totaling nine people were still on board.
- Facility staff and fire crews have been manually rotating the wheel to bring gondolas to ground level for rescue.
- At least one person who was rescued reported feeling unwell, according to the operator.
- The 123-meter attraction is listed as Japan’s tallest on its website, and the rescue operation continued into the early hours of Nov. 26.