A Ferris wheel at a summer music festival in Leipzig, Germany, caught fire on Saturday, resulting in over 30 injuries, as per local reports. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at the Highfield Festival, a popular annual event that attracts up to 30,000 attendees.
A video captured the Ferris wheel ablaze, continuing to rotate as thick, black smoke filled the night sky. The ride operators halted and reversed the wheel, positioning the flaming car near the top. The intensity of the fire was such that it glowed white at its core.
Authorities reported that the fire originated in one passenger car and spread to an adjacent one. The cause of the fire remains unclear. Among the injured, four people suffered burn injuries, and one person was hurt after falling from the ride.
The majority of the 30 people treated for injuries had mild cases of smoke inhalation. However, two individuals were seriously injured, according to the German Red Cross. Four police officers were also among those treated for injuries.
The Highfield Festival is a four-day event that features a variety of musical performances. German rapper Ski Aggu was performing when the fire broke out. Despite the unfolding disaster, he was instructed to continue his performance to prevent a mass panic.
In a statement on his Instagram story, Ski Aggu said, “I was just told through my earpiece that I should not end the show under any circumstances.” He added that his priority was to ensure the situation did not escalate further, thanking the audience for their calm response.
Festival organizers announced that they would cordon off the Ferris wheel but continue with the remainder of the weekend’s festivities. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.