- Bike store engulfed in flames
A blaze ignited on a Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival close to Leipzig, as per the operator. "My workers informed me that no individuals were in the gondola when the fire initiated," mentioned Sebastian Hannstein from Bremen. He was taken aback and wordless. "My family has been managing Ferris wheels for generations. This kind of incident has never occurred before," he underscored. At least 23 individuals were hurt in the blaze, reported the police.
The staff acted promptly when they spotted the flames, Hannstein explained. "They increased the Ferris wheel's speed, hastening the evacuation of the other gondolas." The operator couldn't specify the number of people in the other gondolas at the time of the fire's start.
The fire commenced in one of the Ferris wheel's gondolas around 9:00 PM on Saturday evening. It then spread to another gondola. Investigators are still trying to pinpoint exactly what transpired in those minutes. At least 23 individuals were injured - four sustained burn injuries, and one endured a fall injury. The other wounded, including first responders and at least four police officers, were examined in the hospital for potential smoke inhalation.
According to the operator, the Ferris wheel stands at 38 meters tall and accommodates 24 gondolas. "The vehicle is seven years old. That's no age for a Ferris wheel. I have one that's 30 years old." He refrained from theorizing about a potential cause. The following morning, a fire origin expert from the police arrived at the scene and kicked off his investigation.
Hannstein expressed his surprise, stating, "Given my family's history with Ferris wheels, such an incident has never occurred before during our management." Furthermore, in light of the mishap, various festivals might reevaluate their safety procedures for amusement rides.
