Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 09:32 pm
Leipzig, Germany – At least 30 people reported to be injured at Highfield Festival in Stormthaler Lake when a Ferris wheel catches fire. According to witnesses, the fire started around 9:13 pm. It started in a lower gondola and spread to another fast. The people on the ride were in a panic with what was happening.
Fire in Ferris Wheel Causes Panic
Witnesses at the festival recorded videos as the Ferris wheel continued to turn even though the two gondolas were completely engulfed in fire. Thick black smoke filled the night sky while onlookers screamed in terror. Finally, operators finally was able to stop and reverse the ride, placing the burning gondolas toward the top of the wheel.
Injuries and Response
Most of the injured were treated for smoke inhalation, but two people suffered more serious injuries. The officers were reportedly injured but sustained only minor injuries. They were able to prevent further damage by tipping the gondolas upside down.
Festival Continues Amidst Crisis
German rapper Ski Aggu had been performing live on stage when the fire broke out. Despite the already unfolding emergency, he had been told to keep with his act so as not to cause a mass panic among those attending the festival. According to him, in an Instagram statement, “whatever the case was, I was said to never stop the show”. Investigation and Aftermath
The police suspect that a technical failure in the Ferris wheel was responsible for the fire. The two gondolas affected in the fire were completely burnt out, but rescue workers had extinguished the fire. According to the police spokeswoman Josephin Sader, the injuries appeared minor, and the situation was under control.
But this tragedy once again has questioned the safety measures in place during big public events. While it remains to be investigated as to what precisely caused this fire, the necessary remedy will be advanced to avoid occurrences of this nature in the future.
