Passengers were said to be very "red" when they came down

The US thrill-seekers hung 150ft (46m) above the ground before being brought down by firemen.

They were rescued by ladder, whereupon at least one passenger was sick.

"It was very scary," said Connie McBride, after her unwanted adventure. "I love the amusement park, but I will never get on the X-Coaster again."

Angela Salter, who was on another ride that also seized up in the power cut, said: "You could tell who got off the [X-Coaster] because their faces were red."

A spokeswoman for the Springs & Crystal Falls amusement park said the management was investigating the cause of the power cut.