During New Year’s Eve festivities at ICON Park, 62 riders had to be rescued by Orange County Fire Rescue from The Wheel after a power outage.
Those in the area say sparks were seen before the power loss, and smoke could be seen from the main building that houses The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and SEALIFE Aquarium Orlando.
Firefighters arrived at the Orlando attraction around 6:30pm, and the evacuations began around 8pm, according to sources.
#HighAngleRescue 8401 International Drive. Power failure at an attraction. Crews currently conducting rescues of occupied pods. No injuries. Updates to follow.
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) January 1, 2023
Final Update: More than 60 people have been safely rescued from more than 20 pods. All pods are now empty and units have cleared @iconparkorlando. All rescue climbers on duty responded to the scene, with additional off duty rescue climbers also responding to assist if needed. https://t.co/1Bz7jrI1jV pic.twitter.com/PIXDD2pPLg
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) January 1, 2023
SO SCARY! Guests were stuck on the 400-foot tall wheel at ICON Park in Orlando for hours after the ride lost power on New Year's Eve. Read more: https://t.co/8WbVa1FBjg pic.twitter.com/89jZpVQt01
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) January 1, 2023
The Wheel at ICON Park lost power tonight. I can see the wheel is moving now but the lights are still off. Orange County Fire is evacuating guests. @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/ymNEj9mAIi
— Stephanie Buffamonte (@StephBuffamonte) January 1, 2023
Due to the power outage, the planned New Year’s Eve fireworks didn’t happen at ICON Park…and naturally some felt the need to complain:
@iconparkorlando announces 5 minutes before midnight that there will NOT be fireworks…. Great job #IconPark ? you are becoming worse than old town.. #orlando #Florida #HappyNewYear #HappyNewYear2023 #Welcome2023 pic.twitter.com/M8R4RoVNwc
— ?? VLADES | Theme Parks | Outdoors (@CristianVlades) January 1, 2023
I’m just thankful nobody was injured during this emergency!
No word has been given yet what caused the power outage or the sparks seen before, but I will follow up once details are released.
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