Over 30 people were injured when two gondolas of a Ferris wheel caught fire on Saturday night (August 17) at Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany, reports German news broadcaster Deutsche Welle. While most injuries were mild cases of smoke inhalation, four people suffered burns and one sustained injuries from a fall. Police said that the cause of the fire was initially unclear.
Details of the Incident
“Those affected are receiving treatment and are doing well considering the circumstances,” Highfield Festival organizers said in a statement. “We are in close coordination with the fire brigade, the police, and the rescue and medical services. We will cordon off the ferris wheel accordingly and then continue operations as planned.”
The fire reportedly broke out in one Ferris wheel gondola car and spread to a neighboring one around 9 p.m. local time during German rapper Ski Aggu’s set. “I’m absolutely shocked and upset about the Ferris wheel fire during my show at Highfield,” Aggu posted on Instagram afterwards. “I was only told through my earpiece that I should not stop the show under any circumstances, but should initially continue to talk with you so avoid mass panic. The priority was to prevent the situation from escalating any further. Fortunately, that worked.”
Highfield Festival Overview
Highfield Festival is one of Germany’s biggest music festivals, with around 30,000 attendees. This year’s lineup featured headliners Rise Against (whose set was delayed due to the Ferris wheel fire), Macklemore, and Peter Fox, with other performers such as Flogging Molly, Less Than Jake, the Kooks, Mando Daio, Marsimoto, Cro, and more.
Impact on Festival Attendees
The incident had a significant impact on the festival attendees, with many expressing shock and concern for those injured. Despite the unfortunate event, festival organizers and authorities worked together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone present.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ferris wheel fire at Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany, was a tragic incident that resulted in injuries to over 30 people. The quick response and coordination between festival organizers, emergency services, and authorities helped mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of all attendees. Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident, and we hope for their speedy recovery.
FAQs
Q: What caused the Ferris wheel fire at Highfield Festival?
A: The cause of the fire was initially unclear, with reports indicating that it started in one gondola car and spread to a neighboring one.
Q: How many people were injured in the Ferris wheel fire?
A: Over 30 people were injured, with most cases being mild smoke inhalation, while four individuals suffered burns and one sustained injuries from a fall.
Q: What was the response from festival organizers and authorities?
A: Festival organizers worked closely with the fire brigade, police, and medical services to ensure that those affected received treatment and that the festival could continue as planned after cordoning off the Ferris wheel.
Credit: pitchfork.com
