Over 30 individuals were injured when two gondolas of a Ferris wheel caught fire on Saturday night at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany. Most injuries were reported as mild cases of smoke inhalation, with four individuals suffering burns and one sustaining injuries from a fall. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unclear.
Festival organizers stated that those affected are receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. They are coordinating closely with emergency services to manage the situation, ensuring the Ferris wheel will be cordoned off while the festival continues as planned.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time during a performance by German rapper Ski Aggu. In response to the fire, Aggu expressed his shock and concern, stating that he was advised through his earpiece to continue the show to prevent panic among the crowd. His priority was to maintain calm as the situation unfolded, which was successfully managed.
Highfield Festival is one of Germany’s largest music festivals, typically attracting around 30,000 attendees. This year’s event featured prominent acts such as Rise Against, Macklemore, and Peter Fox, along with several other popular performers.