Passengers were left stranded 135 metres above London today after the London Eye ground to a halt during the UK’s hottest day of the year so far.
The iconic South Bank attraction stopped suddenly this afternoon due to a technical glitch, just as the mercury hit a sweltering 28°C – the highest temperature ever recorded for the start of May.
Stuck in the Sky: Heat and Delay for Tourists
Families and tourists queued under blazing sunshine, while those already onboard the glass capsules suffered the stifling heat high above the Thames. The delay left passengers trapped in the sweltering pods, with no easy escape.
London Eye Team Fixes Fault in Minutes
The London Eye team addressed the issue quickly. On their official X (Twitter) account, they said:
“Earlier today, the London Eye temporarily paused to investigate a minor technical issue. Our team were able to quickly resolve the issue, resulting in a short 10-minute delay to boarding, after which we resumed operating as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Heatwave Pressure Hits London Attractions Hard
Today’s breakdown came amid record-breaking heat across London. The Met Office confirmed it was the hottest May 1st since records began. With soaring temperatures putting extra strain on outdoor attractions, visitors to the South Bank and beyond have been urged to stay hydrated and watch out for signs of heat exhaustion.
Londoners and tourists alike felt the heat – and the freeze when the Eye stalled in mid-rotation. A scorching day to remember, but not quite in the way anyone planned.
