Credit: @ReportWatchman on XA tragic accident left 30 injured after a Ferris wheel burst into flames. Shocking images of the incident have flooded the internet.
Ferris wheels are some of the most iconic attractions at theme parks, fairs, and festivals worldwide. They provide breathtaking views and create memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort is home to one of the most iconic Ferris Wheels in the world, the Pixar Pal-A-Round — which guests humorously call “Mickey’s Death Wheel.”
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Sadly, several fatal accidents have been reported while riding Ferris wheels around the world. One of the most recent incidents took place in Mexico, where a woman fell to her death from a Ferris wheel. The brutal scene was captured on camera. You can click here to watch it and learn more about the incident.
Unfortunately, another tragic accident was recently reported, leaving 30 guests injured after two Ferris wheel gondolas burst into flames at a summer festival in Germany.
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The tragic Ferris wheel accident occurred at the Highfield Festival at Stormthaler Lake, terrifying guests riding the attraction and attendees.
Photos and videos from the scene quickly flooded the internet, showing how two gondolas turned into fireballs with black smoke clouds towering above the attraction.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user @ReportWatchman shared images from the scene, detailing that the two gondolas had guests aboard them at the time of the incident. The account added that the cause of the fire remained under investigation.
During the Highfield Festival in the German city of Leipzig, a Ferris wheel with people in the cabins caught fire.
The causes of the fire are still being investigated.#Germany #Leipzig
#Europe #disaster #explosion #fire
During the Highfield Festival in the German city of Leipzig, a Ferris wheel with people in the cabins caught fire.
The causes of the fire are still being investigated.#Germany #Leipzig#Europe #disaster #explosion #fire pic.twitter.com/8At5Ah7INA— Genesis Watchman Report (@ReportWatchman) August 22, 2024
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A DW report confirmed that over 30 people were injured, including four police officers who responded to the incident.
Preliminary reports stated that most injuries were mild cases of smoke inhalation. However, a police spokesperson was later quoted by the French news agency AFP, saying that four people suffered burn injuries and one person was injured from falling off the Ferris wheel.
Ride operators reportedly stopped the attraction immediately and reversed it to position the burning gondolas close to the top of the wheel to prevent the fire from spreading.
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German rapper Ski Aggu was on stage when the fire started and was allegedly instructed to continue his performance despite the accident. I was just told through my earpiece that I should not end the show under any circumstances,” the rapper said on his Instagram. He said he was told to continue performing to avoid “mass panic.”
The fire was eventually put out, leaving the two gondolas completely destroyed. According to event organizers, the fire was caused by a technical issue on the Ferris wheel.
In a statement, the organizers said they would shut down the Ferris wheel but would continue with the festival’s schedule.
If you or someone you know has witnessed a traumatic event, it’s never too late to seek help processing your feelings. Check out resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) here or call 988 in the United States for assistance during immediate mental health crises.