The rescue operation began around 10 p.m. in the downtown district of Kirkwood after the riders became stranded on the carnival attraction, Kirkwood Fire and Rescue said.

The carnival was part of a weekend event called St. Peterfest, a fundraiser for the local St. Peter Catholic Church, FOX2 St. Louis reported.

Three of the riders were trapped inside a car that stopped about 40 feet in the air, rescuers said.

A second car of four people was stuck at the bottom of the ride, several feet off the ground, KDSK-TV reported.

Firefighters safely brought down the people from the ride using ropes, technical systems, and an aerial ladder, rescue officials told FOX2 St. Louis. The operation lasted around 30 minutes and no injuries were reported.

Church officials told the station that a broken part on the ride is believed to have caused the malfunction.