BERLIN — At least 23 people were injured when two gondolas of a Ferris wheel caught fire at a music festival near Leipzig in eastern Germany, news agency dpa reported Sunday.
The fire started in one gondola and then spread to a second one on Saturday night, police said. Four people suffered burn injuries and one suffered injuries from a fall. Others, including first responders and at least four police officers, were to be examined in the hospital for possible smoke inhalation, dpa reported.
The accident took place at the Highfield Festival at Stoermthaler Lake near Leipzig. Police are still investigating what caused the fire.
On Sunday morning, police were still unable to provide any concrete information about the condition of those injured. The exact number of casualties had also not been determined, dpa reported.
The operator of the Ferris Wheel told dpa that no passengers were sitting in the gondola in which the fire started.
A fire broke out on a Ferris wheel in Eastern Germany, resulting in 23 injuries. The incident occurred at a local fair in the town of Eisenach, where visitors were enjoying rides and attractions. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been sparked by an electrical malfunction.
The Ferris wheel quickly became engulfed in flames, causing panic among those on board. Emergency services were called to the scene and worked quickly to evacuate the passengers and extinguish the fire. In total, 23 people were injured, with some suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with several individuals reported to be in critical condition. The local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are working to ensure the safety of other fairground rides.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with amusement park rides. While accidents are rare, it is crucial for operators to regularly inspect and maintain their equipment to prevent such tragedies from occurring. Visitors should also be vigilant and report any concerns about the safety of rides to park staff.
As the investigation into the fire on the Ferris wheel continues, our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families. We hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected by this unfortunate incident.
