Dramatic Rescue as Ferris Wheel Catches Fire at Music Festival in Germany

Two people were seriously injured when a Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig burst into flames, causing dozens to suffer mild injuries.

A Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, burst into flames on Saturday night, injuring dozens of people, two of whom were seriously hurt.

Local fire officials reported that the fire broke out around 10:40 p.m. local time in two of the ride's cars. Approximately 100 people were evacuated from the ride and surrounding area, with 48 suffering minor injuries and two sustaining serious burns. The victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Dramatic Rescue as Ferris Wheel Catches Fire at Music Festival in Germany

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it started in the electrical system of one of the cars. It quickly spread to the second car, fueled by the flammable materials used in the ride's construction.

Local authorities and the festival organizers worked together to evacuate the site and provide medical assistance to those affected. The festival was canceled for the remainder of the weekend, and counseling services were made available to attendees.

Dramatic Rescue as Ferris Wheel Catches Fire at Music Festival in Germany

The Highfield Festival is a popular music event held annually in Großpösna, Leipzig. It features a wide range of international and local artists and attracts a large crowd of music fans.

Witness accounts describe a chaotic and frightening scene as panicked festival-goers raced to escape the burning ride. Some praised the quick response of festival staff and emergency services, while others expressed concern about the safety of the Ferris wheel.

In a separate incident, the Carola Bridge in Dresden, Germany, partially collapsed on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. No injuries were reported, but the collapse disrupted traffic and damaged parts of the city's heating system.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, but initial reports suggest that chlorine corrosion from the bridge's former communist-era construction may have contributed to its failure.

The collapse occurred shortly after 3 a.m. local time, causing a section of the bridge to fall into the Elbe River. The bridge had been scheduled for renovation next year, and the section that collapsed was set to be replaced.

The collapse has snarled traffic in Dresden, affecting tram systems, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Boat traffic is also halted, impacting cargo ships and tourism vessels.

Crews are working to clear the debris and assess the damage. They are also concerned about the possibility of further collapse in the coming hours.

The Carola Bridge is a major traffic artery in Dresden, connecting the Old Town and New Town. It is also known for its Baroque architecture and is often referred to as "Florence on the Elbe."