Bolt reportedly fell from Thorpe Park's Hyperia coaster and hit boy in queue

A bolt reportedly fell from Hyperia, the UK's tallest roller coaster, at Thorpe Park and hit a young boy who was waiting in the queue.

People who were in the queue at the Surrey theme park on Saturday 3 October said they heard a loud metallic bang. A bolt then dropped from the ride's steel structure, bounced off a support and struck the boy on his shoulder.

Thorpe Park has not publicly commented on the incident. It is not known whether the boy was hurt.

Ride closed while technicians checked bolts

Witnesses said the boy's mother walked to the front of the queue holding the bolt to show staff. The ride was reportedly closed straight away, maintenance teams were called by radio, and staff walked the family out of the queue.

Soon afterwards, technicians in safety harnesses were seen high up on the coaster. Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows two workers in helmets and harnesses on the white steel supports, apparently checking and tightening bolts on one of the ride's inversions.

Locals said the ride reopened later that evening. The park has not confirmed what caused the bolt to fall, or what checks were done before the ride carried passengers again.

The UK's tallest and fastest coaster

Hyperia opened at Thorpe Park, near Chertsey, on 24 May 2024. The park says it is the UK's tallest and fastest roller coaster. It stands 236ft, or about 72 metres, high and reaches more than 80mph.

The German firm Mack Rides built the steel hypercoaster. It sits in the park's Fearless Valley area, and riders must be at least 130cm tall. Since it opened it has been one of the park's most popular rides, often with long queues.

The coaster was reportedly closed for a time the day after it first opened to the public in May 2024.

Thorpe Park is a short drive from Heathrow, Hounslow and Feltham, and it is a popular day out for families across West London. The incident happened at the start of October, when the park runs its Halloween Fright Nights season and visitor numbers are often high.

What happens next

In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive regulates the safety of fairground and theme park rides. Operators must report certain incidents to it, including some where members of the public are injured.

Thorpe Park has not said whether this incident was reported or whether it is carrying out its own investigation. Anyone who was at the ride on 3 October and has concerns can contact the park directly.