THEME park fans were left disappointed after the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster closed just days after it was first opened.
On Friday, May 24, Hyperia was unveiled to the public at Thorpe Park for the very first time.
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However, just two days later, it had to be shut again due to “unforeseen circumstances” – leaving thrill-seekers who had travelled to ride the new coaster feeling let down.
Initially Thorpe Park bosses said they would be “unable to open Hyperia between Sunday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 29″.
However, a further update, published on May 28, has since revealed that the ride will remain shut for a further 11 days, keeping it off limits until June 8.
The new statement, published via the park’s social media channels, reads: “As you may have already seen, Hyperia is currently unavailable.
“Despite our best efforts we are unable to commit to re-opening Hyperia before Saturday 8th June.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to open the ride earlier and will ensure all the latest updates are provided via our socials and website.
“We are really sorry for the disappointment we know this will cause.”
Fans responded to the message letting the park know how let down they felt by the ride closure.
One wrote: “This is the biggest mess ever.”
Another said: “I’m coming to Thorpe next week for mine and a friend’s birthday and I’m absolutely gutted.”
A third added: “Hardly living up to the Hype (pun intended).”
With “unforeseen circumstances” the only reason provided for the closure, some fans speculated about why they thought it was remain shut for the time being.
However, the theme park was quick to assure people that the ride was safe when it opened and that it will be perfectly safe to ride, once it opens again.
A further comment from the Thorpe Park account on X, formerly Twitter, reads: “We’d never compromise safety.
The Sun’s review of Hyperia at Thorpe Park
The Sun’s Lee Bell visited Thorpe Park to try the new ride out
“I was able to ride the steel monster three times, experiencing its exhilarating speeds in the middle of the train, at the front and then, for my last (and best) ride, right at the back.
“First impressions: it’s unlike any other rollercoaster in the UK right now.
“Not only for the obvious reason that it’s over double the height, but its focus on flinging riders out of their seats and experiencing ‘weightlessness’.
“It’s no surprise that the first drop is what really steals the show on this rollercoaster.
“While it’s the tallest in the country, it’s unique in that it twists riders 180 degrees while they plummet down a huge vertical drop right before reaching the ground at top speeds of over 80mph.
“The back row is easily the best place to experience this, since you’re catapulted over the crest of the drop at speed, and right into the drop with a free-fall-like feeling.
“It’s an incredible ride that will make you want to ride it again and again.
“It’s certainly a coaster that can compete with some of the best in Europe and is easily, in my experience, the best the UK has to offer.”
“As with any new ride, we have weeks of rigorous safety checks before the ride opens to the public. We’re working to get Hyperia back into full flight soon.”
The Sun understands that there were no technical issues found during the launch or the first day of public opening.
Any pre-booked customers have been told they will be compensated with free entry once the ride is back up and running.
Those with tickets for other days will be contacted to arrange an alternative date for their visit.
Meanwhile, this brand new rollercoaster also opened at a UK theme park this year.
And this abandoned theme park is set to be turned into a brand new holiday resort.
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