SINGAPORE - The Singapore Flyer has suspended operations since Nov 19 after a technical issue involving one of the spoke cables.
In a statement announcing the suspension on Tuesday (Nov 26), a spokesman for the Flyer said that the move was a precautionary measure while the Flyer undergoes inspection, repairs and rectification works.
The technical issue occurred around 9.40am on Nov 19 and all 39 customers on the Flyer were evacuated.
"We are working around the clock together with a specialist professional engineer to fix the issue," said the Flyer's spokesman.
The spokesman said the Flyer will be working closely with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), which regulates the safety of public amusement rides, before the ride is open to the public.
The Flyer told affected customers with prior bookings to get in touch with the customer service team on 6333-3311. The public can also receive updates on the Flyer's website, Facebook page and WeChat account.
"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our guests and business partners," its spokesman said.
It is unclear when the Flyer will reopen to the public.
The BCA told ST that it was alerted to the technical issue on Nov 19.
"In the interest of public safety, BCA suspended the operations of the Singapore Flyer on the same day and instructed the ride operator to appoint a specialised professional engineer to investigate and propose appropriate rectification works."
"The ride will remain closed until the investigation is complete and the operator has carried out the necessary rectification works recommended by the specialised professional engineer to the satisfaction of BCA," the spokesman added.
This is not the first time that the Flyer has suffered a breakdown.
Previously, operations were also suspended on Jan 25 last year due to a "technical issue".
On Dec 23, 2008, a fire broke out in the wheel control room, causing 173 passengers to be trapped for about six hours.
In July 2010, the ride was also shut down and more than 200 passengers were evacuated after lightning struck one of its electrical cables that supplied power to the air-conditioning systems.
The Flyer, which is 165m tall and has a diameter of 150m, was officially launched in 2008.
