Wellington reverse bungy to be investigated

The Labour Department is investigating a mechanical failure on Wellington's reverse bungy – but the ride's owner insists it is safe.

About 3am on Sunday, firefighters had to free three people stuck in the bungy's carriage when a hydraulic hose failed.

In October, the bungy was investigated after one of its two elastic cords snapped moments before people were to be catapulted into the air.

Bungy Extreme owner John Saunders said the machine automatically shut down when the fault happened on Sunday. The fire service was called only because the controller, who had an injured hand, was unable to manually wind the cage open.

"There's no safety scare, there was never any threat to anybody ... it's a machine after all," Mr Saunders said.

"We're rigidly controlled by Occupational Health and Safety guidelines and we follow those to the letter. Even calling the fire department is in the manual."

The hydraulic hose was replaced in 30 minutes and the ride was reopened on Sunday morning.

Mr Saunders said the bungy cord that snapped in October was at the end of its 500-launch life span.

Procedures had since been reviewed and the cords were now replaced every 350 launches.

The Labour Department was investigating the latest failure. Wellington City Council said it had no concerns about the safety of the ride.

- © Fairfax NZ News