A substantial wheel inferno allegedly ignited by a carelessly tossed cigarette.
During a music event close to Leipzig, at the Highfield Festival by Lake Störmthal, two gondolas of a Ferris wheel suddenly burst into flames. At least 23 individuals suffered injuries. Preliminary findings from investigators provide insights into the fire's origin.
Investigators have made some headway in determining the source of the blaze on the Ferris wheel. Initial evidence suggests that materials beneath the passenger compartment may have played a part, as reported by Leipzig authorities. These materials ignited spontaneously and subsequently spread to a gondola. The investigation is ongoing.
Media sources suggest that discarded cigarettes or joints may have sparked the materials nested beneath the gondola's grates. The possibility of a technical glitch such as an electrical fire cannot be dismissed, according to Radio Dresden, citing the police. Bild newspaper reported that misplaced tarpaulins used to cover the gondolas may have caught fire and spread to the gondola.
"Never witnessed anything like this before"
At present, at least 23 individuals have been hurt during the mishap, including emergency responders and law enforcement officers. Seventeen of them were hospitalized, including four with burn wounds and one with a fall-related injury.
Operators have revealed that the fire began during a passenger changeover. "My staff informed me that no one was within the gondola when the fire started," told Sascha Hanstein from Bremen. He appeared shocked and unable to speak. "My family has been in the business of operating Ferris wheels for generations. I've never witnessed anything like this before," he emphasized.
Hanstein explained that his staff acted promptly when they observed flames. "They increased the Ferris wheel's speed and sped up the evacuation of the remaining gondolas." According to the operator, the Ferris wheel stands 38 meters tall and has 24 gondolas. "The vehicle is not old for a Ferris wheel. I have one that's 30 years old," noted Hanstein.
The European Union has expressed concern over the safety incidents at amusement parks, following the fiery incident at the Highfield Festival. The European Union's Committee on Consumer Protection has called for stricter regulations on safety checks for such attractions, citing the need to protect public safety.
In response to the incident, the European Union has suggested that member states should conduct regular safety inspections of amusement park rides. This includes checking for potential hazards, such as substandard materials or worn components, which could potentially lead to incidents like the one at the Highfield Festival.
