A fire erupted on a Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, on August 17, 2024, resulting in at least 30 injuries. The incident occurred around 21:00 when one of the 24 gondolas caught fire at its peak rotation, quickly spreading to a second gondola. Both gondolas were completely destroyed.According to police reports, four people suffered burns, one person sustained a fall injury, and the remaining victims, including emergency responders and at least four police officers, were treated for possible smoke inhalation. The German Red Cross noted that two people are in critical condition.The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation. Police spokesperson Josephine Sader stated, ‘The investigation is focusing on the possible presence of accelerants’. A fire expert arrived at the scene early the following morning to begin the investigation.Despite the incident, the Highfield music festival, which attracts around 30,000 visitors and features artists such as Macklemore and The Kooks, resumed after a 22-hour pause. Festival organizers announced that the injured were receiving medical attention.This incident highlights the potential dangers at large public events and the importance of swift emergency response. The investigation’s findings may lead to enhanced safety measures for similar attractions at future festivals.
Key points
- A Ferris wheel fire at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, injured over 30 people.
- The fire destroyed two gondolas and led to various injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation.
- Authorities are investigating the cause, including the possibility of accelerants.
- The festival resumed after a brief pause, highlighting the balance between safety and event continuity.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of injured, ranging from ‘at least 23’ to ‘over 30’.
This may be due to ongoing assessments and varying definitions of injury severity.
👾While most sources report minor injuries, the German Red Cross noted that two people are in critical condition, indicating potential inconsistencies in injury reports.
