Thorpe Park Haunting - Publicity Stunt?

The new Saw - The Movie thrill ride opened at Thorpe Park theme park in Surrey this March. The rollercoaster cost about $25 million to build and gets up to 55mph. But the priest wandering around in front of it this week with a Bible in one hand wasn't part of the ride; that was Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe, one of the UK's leading paranormal authorities. The Reverend was called-in after theme park owners said they'd begun receiving complaints from attendees and staff members had reported strange goings-on, as well.

According to Thorpe Park staff, guests and worker complained of a severe drop in temperature when entering the ride building. Lights were said to have gone on and off of their own accord, and even the special effects reportedly started a time or two after being shutdown. Managers investigated and claimed to have learned that some staffmembers held a small seance in the ride's building, using a Ouija board.

Thorpe Park officials said the Ouija board users had been reprimanded and called-in Rev. Fanthorpe to investigate. Rev. Fanthorpe was authorized to carry-out an exorcism, should his investigation prove any infestation.

Luckily, Thorpe Park spokespeople were sure to point-out, Saw - The Ride hasn't been closed and will definitely be open for the Halloween "Fright Nights" special, going on all this month. 

Oh, and Saw VI also happens to open next Friday.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009