A shocking video has emerged showing Thorpe Park visitors stuck on the Hyperia ride for 30 minutes at a height of over 200 feet during 33C heat. Two rides reportedly broke down yesterday (May 25) on what was provisionally the hottest May day on record, according to social media site UB1UB2.
Riders Stranded at Apex
Riders were reportedly stranded at the apex of the rollercoaster, more than 200 feet in the air, before the ride restarted half an hour later. Hyperia, which opened in 2024, is the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, surpassing Stealth, also located in Thorpe Park.
Safety Precautions Amid Heatwave
Ahead of the heatwave, the theme park had confirmed that some rides might temporarily close for safety reasons. Yesterday evening, the Met Office announced that the UK had recorded its highest ever spring temperature after the mercury reached 34.8C in Kew Gardens. Similar temperatures exceeding 33C were recorded across London, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. There is a possibility that this record could be broken again today (Tuesday, May 26), with the Met Office forecasting highs of 35C.
Met Office Statement
Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record. Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday. High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”
To see all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your area, enter your postcode below or visit the Public Notice Portal HERE.
