More than 100 trapped in observation wheel in Singapore

More than 100 people were trapped in the world's biggest observation wheel today after a power failure, a spokeswoman for the attraction said.

More than 100 people were trapped in the world's biggest observation wheel on Tuesday after a power failure, a spokeswoman for the attraction said.

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"The majority of them are still up there," said the spokeswoman for the Singapore Flyer, which began operations early this year.

The spokeswoman, who asked not to be named, said about 173 passengers were aboard the wheel when a short circuit in one of the drive motors occurred at about 5:00 pm (0900 GMT).

She said at least five people had been evacuated before 8 pm.

Firefighters were at the scene to assist in rescue efforts but a spokesman for the emergency workers declined to comment.

The 42-storey-high wheel is 165 metres (545 feet), or 30 metres, taller than Britain's London Eye, said Great Wheel Corp, which built the attraction.