Two Women Hurt as Giant Fairground Ride Plummets in Birmingham
Chaos erupted in Centenary Square, Birmingham, after a giant fairground ride suddenly dropped to the ground on Thursday evening. Two women were rushed to hospital following the terrifying malfunction of the 55-metre-tall City Flyer, one of the region’s tallest rides.
Terrifying Ride Failure Sends Shocks Through Crowd
At 7:29 pm, emergency services including police, fire crews, and paramedics stormed the scene after reports of the City Flyer collapsing mid-ride. West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the ride dropped to ground level while still in operation, sparking panic among riders.
Photos revealed tangled wires hanging from damaged gondolas, pointing to a serious mechanical failure. The West Midlands Ambulance Service said two women were seriously injured and taken to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, though they are not in life-threatening condition.
An additional 11 people—nine women and three men—were treated at the scene and released.
Eyewitnesses Describe Mayhem and Injury
Bystanders described chaotic scenes as injured riders staggered away from the wreckage. One witness said they saw “girls who appeared to be injured,” including one with a facial wound.
Lilly Nitsch, 18, told reporters: “That’s one of my favourite rides growing up. It makes me think of the times you’ve been on rides like that. It makes me feel lucky.”
Nearby bar patron Amelie Huet, also 18, added to the horror: “We heard sirens and went out to the balcony. We saw ambulances, police cars and fire engines. Someone said the structure dropped and someone fell out.”
Site Locked Down as Probe Gets Underway
West Midlands Police sealed off the area between the ice rink, the library, and the Rep Theatre. They urged the public to steer clear while investigations continue.
A police spokesperson confirmed, “A small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics.”
The City Flyer, operated by Danter Attractions, offers panoramic city views and a wild spin in swinging gondolas. The company has yet to comment, and probe teams are working to establish the cause of the failure.
Safety Fears Raised at Festive Fairgrounds
The grave incident has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of temporary rides during the busy festive period. Authorities promise thorough inspections to prevent any repeat disaster.
More updates will follow as officials dig deeper into what went wrong on the City Flyer ride in Birmingham.
