The Green Lantern ride at Movie World on Australia’s Gold Coast trapped six people on board for three hours, plus another seven for a further hour, after the ride malfunctioned.

Despite undergoing two inspections on Sunday (15 March) – first by an engineer and then by ride control staff – a wheel became dislodged from one of the carts, stranding the 13 people until firefighters could retrieve them. Six people were taken to hospital following the incident, according to Australian media reports. A second cart triggered its safety system, with those passengers taken down a flight of stairs to safety.

Movie World general manager Greg Yong said the incident would be investigated by Movie World staff, ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide and external parties, including Queensland Workplace Health and Safety.

"What's important is we train with Queensland Fire and Rescue on these kinds of evacuations on a regular basis,” said Young.

"Thankfully they're not a common occurrence, but when they do happen, we like to be sure that we're very well drilled in how to handle them."

Until a thorough investigation has been carried out, the DC Comics-themed El Loco steel coaster – which first opened in December 2011 – will remain closed. Green Lantern Coaster holds the record for the steepest drop of any roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere, and the second steepest in the world.