At least one woman has been admitted to the hospital after a Christmas fairground attraction unpredictably ‘plummeted to the ground’ in Birmingham this evening.
Visitors were enjoying the ice rink, Ferris wheel, and adjacent German Markets as part of the Christmas celebrations in Centenary Square.
However, one of the attractions allegedly experienced a malfunction and fell while passengers were aboard.
The attraction involved seems to be the Star Flyer, which elevates seats connected by wires high into the air before rotating them.
Images from the site depict these wires in a tangled state, with emergency personnel gathered around its secured base.
A witness claimed they observed ‘girls who looked like they were hurt’ exiting the area, with one ‘who appeared to have facial injuries,’ as reported by BBC.
While none of the injuries were critical, one woman was transported to the hospital.
West Midlands Fire Service stated: ‘At approximately 7:30 PM on Thursday, December 12, we responded to an incident in Centenary Square adjacent to the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.
‘One fire engine from Ladywood fire station responded and arrived in just over four minutes.
‘This incident involved a fairground attraction that malfunctioned and crashed. The ride descended to ground level while it was in use.
‘We assisted ambulance teams in treating several casualties, none of whose injuries are life-threatening.
‘One individual has been transported to a hospital, with several others treated at the scene. We are not currently engaged in rescuing any additional casualties.
‘This incident has now been handed over to West Midlands Police.’
In an official statement, the police stated: ‘We currently have officers stationed in Centenary Square, Birmingham following notifications regarding an issue with one of the rides.
‘A small number of individuals are being assisted at the site by paramedics, but no serious injuries have been reported.
‘Centenary Square remains closed off this evening as we collaborate with our emergency service partners. Please refrain from entering the area.’
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