World Scene: Singapore

Blaze at ferris wheel probed

Singapore officials yesterday were investigating a fire at the world's biggest observation wheel that left almost 175 tourists trapped for hours.

Tuesday night's fire in the control room of the Singapore Flyer shut down the 42-storey high observation wheel, leaving customers stuck for six hours before power was restored. Rescue teams brought 10 people down in a sling in a dramatic operation while others waited in the Flyer's cars until the power came back and the wheel began turning.