The Ferris wheel fire at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, on August 17, 2024, has resulted in a significantly higher number of injuries than initially reported. According to updated information from multiple sources, 65 people were injured in the incident, with 16 requiring hospitalization. This is a substantial increase from the previously reported figure of over 30 injuries.The fire, which broke out around 21:00 local time, started in one of the 24 gondolas of the 38-meter-high Ferris wheel and quickly spread to a second gondola. Among the injured, four people suffered burns, one person was injured from a fall, and the majority experienced smoke inhalation. The injured also included emergency responders and at least four police officers.New details have emerged regarding the possible cause of the fire. Initial investigations suggest that materials beneath the Ferris wheel ignited for unknown reasons, subsequently spreading to the gondolas. However, the exact cause remains under investigation, with police focusing on the potential presence of accelerants.Despite the severity of the incident, authorities have stated that none of the injuries are life-threatening. The festival, which typically attracts around 30,000 visitors, was temporarily suspended but resumed after about two hours.Rapper Ski Aggu, who was performing on stage when the fire broke out, provided insight into the management of the situation. He stated, “I was told not to stop the show under any circumstances, but to stay in dialogue with the audience to prevent a panic.” This approach appears to have been successful in maintaining crowd control during the emergency.Sebastian Hannstein, the operator of the Ferris wheel, reiterated his earlier statement that the fire likely occurred during a passenger change and that his staff reacted quickly to evacuate the other gondolas.The incident has cast a somber mood over the festival, but organizers have been praised for their clear communication and swift response. As the investigation continues, this event underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures at large public gatherings and the need for effective emergency response protocols.
Key points
- The number of injured in the Highfield Festival Ferris wheel fire has increased to 65, with 16 hospitalized.
- Initial investigations suggest the fire started from materials beneath the Ferris wheel, not in the gondola as previously thought.
- Despite the high number of injuries, none are reported to be life-threatening.
- The festival resumed after a brief suspension, with organizers praised for their handling of the emergency.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of injured people across different sources, ranging from ‘at least 23′ to ’65’.
This may be due to updates in information over time or differences in counting methods (e.
g.
, including or excluding those treated on-site).
