STORY:
Millennium Wheel Attracts Trouble…Again

A student parachutes off London's newest landmark

(Everything2000) London's new millennium wheel served as a launch pad again. A Norwegian student jumped off London's 450-foot-high wheel and landed safely on a footpath. The student did not have permission to climb the wheel, but nobody stopped him either.

The London Sun reports that Arne Aarhus climbed the ladder in the middle of the wheel to get to the top of the structure. He then strapped on his parachute and jumped. His parachute opened after 65 feet and he floated to the ground.

“It was the perfect jump, “ Aarhus told the Sun “. “It was very scary as it was wet steel and the higher I got the more obstacles there were in the way, and it started to curve.”

The wheel is the fourth-tallest structure in London. It was hauled upright in mid-October, and its 32 glass capsules will carry passengers to the top on New Year's Eve.

Aarhus isn't the first person to climb to the top of the structure. In October nine demonstrators outfitted with harnesses and rain gear scaled the wheel. Two of the demonstrators spent the night on top of the structure. Both were taken into police custody when they reached the ground. As for Aarhus, police are not saying what they plan to do about his stunt.

“The view was awe-inspiring. I could see miles up the Thames, and Westminster looked beautiful at night.” Said Aarhus.

If you're interested in seeing that view for yourself, please wait until the wheel opens on New Year's Eve. It's much safer that way.

(Source: London Sun)

DATE: 11/24/99

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