SINGAPORE - The Singapore Flyer suspended operations on Thursday morning (Jan 25) due to a "technical issue".

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Flyer said it will be conducting "a thorough check" before resuming the rides.

It told affected customers to check its Facebook page for the latest updates, and to call its customer service team on 6333-3311 for assistance.

A spokesman for the Singapore Flyer told The Straits Times that all 61 passengers on board were "brought to ground safely when the incident occurred at about 9am".

She added that they are working closely with relevant authorities and specialist professional engineers to find out the cause of the technical issue that occurred.

"We have informed affected passengers to contact us or our travel partners with any questions related to the cancellation of their flights," said the spokesman.

It is unclear when the Flyer will reopen to the public, however, the spokesman said the Flyer will remain closed on Friday.

"Until we have more clarity on the technical issue, we continue to suspend flight operations," said the Singapore Flyer spokesman.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said it did not receive any calls for assistance.

This is not the first time that the Flyer has suffered a breakdown.

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 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.