NaijWeb Keeping you informed…
A terrifying incident at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany, has raised urgent calls for stricter safety checks after a Ferris wheel caught fire, leaving over 30 people injured.
As horrified onlookers watched, two carts burst into flames while the wheel continued to rotate, trapping riders in a dangerous situation.
The festival, known for drawing crowds of up to 30,000, was shaken as attendees were forced to witness the shocking event unfold.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the local police spokesperson, Josephine Sader, confirmed that the blaze began in one gondola and quickly spread to another.
“We currently know that there are over 30 injured people, including four police officers, but all of them are probably slightly injured,” Sader reported.
Many of the injuries were due to smoke inhalation, highlighting the severe risk posed by the malfunctioning ride.
The incident has led to widespread calls for more rigorous safety inspections and maintenance protocols for amusement rides, particularly at large-scale events.
This near tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of malfunctioning equipment at public events.
“It is to be noted that rides like that in such attractions should be regularly inspected, especially when they are situated near the show stage where other appliances could exacerbate a fire,” a safety expert who remains unknown warns.
In addition, safety experts are urging organizers to conduct thorough and regular checks on all machinery, emphasizing that a similar incident in the future could result in far more devastating consequences.
Meanwhile, as the festival community recovers from the scare, there is a growing demand for improved safety measures to protect the lives of attendees.
