Riders on a major rollercoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World were left suspended mid-air on Wednesday after the ride unexpectedly stopped during operation.

According to 9News Australia, the incident involved the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, one of the tallest and fastest rides in the Southern Hemisphere. Theme park operator Village Roadshow Theme Parks confirmed that the ride experienced a stoppage, prompting emergency safety procedures.

"All guests are safe and were being evacuated from designated safe stop zones,” the operator said in a statement, as reported by 9News Australia. Eyewitness footage shared on social media showed the coaster halted near the top of the track, with passengers seated under umbrellas provided by rescue teams to shield them from the heat. The Gold Coast was experiencing temperatures of around 30°C at the time, raising concerns about prolonged exposure.

The DC Rivals HyperCoaster reaches speeds of up to 115 km/h and heights of approximately 62 metres, making it a flagship attraction at the park. Emergency crews responded promptly, assisting riders off the track using established evacuation procedures. No injuries were reported following the incident.

This is not the first time the ride has encountered issues. In January 2024, operations were temporarily disrupted after a loose item became entangled in the coaster’s mechanism, according to 9News Australia.

The incident also recalls broader safety concerns in Australia’s theme park industry. In 2016, four people lost their lives on Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride, marking the country’s deadliest theme park disaster.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the latest stoppage, and investigations are expected to determine what led to the malfunction. Operations at the park are expected to resume once safety checks are completed.