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Riders Stranded on Hyperia as Two Thorpe Park Attractions Stop During Heatwave

The incident raises questions about how extreme spring heat affects ride operation and safety.

Overview

  • Video posted by Instagram account UB1UB2 and multiple witness reports show two Thorpe Park rides stopping at the same time, leaving guests stationary for up to about 30 minutes.
  • One of the affected rides was Hyperia, the park's 2024-launched coaster, where riders were reportedly left roughly 200 feet up at the apex before being brought down safely.
  • The stoppages happened on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, during a record-breaking spring heatwave when Surrey reached about 33C and the Met Office recorded unusually high temperatures.
  • Thorpe Park has not publicly identified a technical cause for the simultaneous shutdown but has posted a Return Guarantee offering free return visits to anyone who attended the park on May 25.
  • The footage and timing have focused coverage on safety and weather-related operating risks for theme parks and could prompt further scrutiny or formal investigation, though no regulator statement has been reported.