An attraction at the Royal Melbourne Show has been shut down by authorities after riders reported experiencing the frightening scenario of having their harnesses come loose mid-ride.
The SkyWalker ride, a mainstay of the touring show attractions, has been closed for investigation after punters made social media posts detailing their experience on the ride.
One account, posted by Allie Calleja, detailed how her harness and that of another rider came loose, prompting an emergency stop of the ride while people were hoisted two storeys in the air.
Another account detailed feeling completely unsafe on the ride, with harnesses not tightened causing riders to slip, suffering bruising as a result.
Calleja spoke with Neil Mitchell on 3AW earlier today and gave a more detailed account of her experience.
The ride, in normal operation, spins people upside multiple times, rotating on two different arms with riders strapped into rows of four seats.
The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria issued a statement confirming that, while no one has suffered any serious injuries on the ride as a result of the malfunction, the ride has nonetheless been shut down pending an investigation.
Skywalker ride at Royal melbourne show investigated by worksafe. complaints harnesses opening mid ride. Will not reopen for rest of show pic.twitter.com/1f4tazjKky
— Georgia Main (@georgiamain7) October 2, 2017
WorkSafe Victoria is also on the scene at the Melbourne Showgrounds, and is working with engineers to determine whether the ride will open back up at all during the remainder of the show’s season.
The Royal Melbourne Show has been running since last Monday, and is due to close tomorrow.
