Drayton Manor’s Shockwave rollercoaster experienced a mid lift hill stoppage on Saturday morning.
Guests were evacuated from the stationary train under normal procedures, and of course no one was injured.
The rollercoaster’s train stopped around halfway up its 120-foot lift hill. The ride re-opened a few hours later.
As is typical these days, the British tabloid newspapers covered the incident in sensationalist and exaggerated manner.
We take a look at some of the most bizarre writings about the incident.
Daily Express
“Drayton Manor Park horror as Shockwave ride BREAKS DOWN 120ft in air”
“Visitors were left stranded 120ft in the air.”
“Those on board forced to walk down hundreds of metal steps to safety.”
Daily Record
“Drayton Manor Theme Park rollercoaster breakdown leaves riders stranded 120ft in the air.”
Metro
“Terrified theme park goers were suspended 100ft in the air after a ride ‘broke down.’”
Daily Star
“Astonishing footage posted on Twitter shows terrified customers at Drayton Manor in Tamworth, Staffordshire being evacuated from the Shockwave rollercoaster.”
Evening Standard
The London newspaper felt it appropriate to footnote their coverage with a reminder of a tragic accident at the park two years ago.
“An 11-year-old girl was killed while on a water ride during a school trip to the theme park in 2017.”
Daily Mail
The newspaper felt the inclusion of the tragic incident worthy of mention three sentences into their article.
“An 11-year-old girl died at the theme park in May 2017 after she fell off a water rapids ride while on a school trip.”
Birmingham Live
“People have been evacuated after the high speed ride stalled mid ride.”
The Sun
“ASTONISHING footage shows theme park revellers being evacuated after they were suspended 100ft in the air after the ride broke down today.”
Stoke-on-Trent Live
“The standing coaster was temporarily shut down after it came to a juddering halt with families on board at around 100ft.”