World Cup stadium's Sky Car grounded again

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World Cup stadium's Sky Car grounded again

The World Cup stadium in Durban. The Sky Car is designed to take visitors to the top of the 106-metre high arch.

The World Cup stadium in Durban. The Sky Car is designed to take visitors to the top of the 106-metre high arch.Credit: AFP

The Sky Car that takes visitors to the top of the 106-metre arch over Durban's new World Cup stadium has been grounded for the second time in two months, officials said yesterday.

The Sky Car has repeatedly left visitors stuck at the top of the arch, a problem the city's World Cup organisers blame on a faulty data cable that was transferring inaccurate error messages and engaging the car's automated emergency brake.

"Unfortunately this data cable is specialised and purpose-made for the SkyCar and hence we have had to order a replacement cable from overseas," organisers said in a statement, adding that the car was expected to reopen by May 7.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11.

Officials closed the car in late March after about 150 people were stuck on the arch.

Some visitors have been stuck for up to two hours due to the emergency stop system. Local media reported that a 63-year-old woman collapsed while trying to walk down the 550 steps to the ground.

More than 80,000 visitors have taken the ride to the viewing platform at the top of the arch, which offers 360-degree views over the city's beaches and a bungee jump over the field.

AFP

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