More than 100 people were trapped for several hours after the world`s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, suffered a breakdown, according to BBC.

The wheel ground to a halt just before 1700 (0900 GMT), when one of the drive motors experienced a short circuit, a spokeswoman told AFP news agency.

About 173 people were on board at the time. Some were later lowered to the ground in harnesses, witnesses said.

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The wheel restarted just after 2300, six hours after it stopped, AFP said.

The wheel is 165m (541ft) high and looks out over Singapore`s Marina Bay. It is 30m taller than Britain`s London Eye.

One passenger who had been trapped for several hours told Channel News Asia that the wheel jerked and then ground to a halt.

About 10 people were in her cabin, she told the channel. It had been very hot when the air-conditioning went off but then it came on again, she said.

The wheel became operational in February, and a ride in it takes about 30 minutes.