A devastating fire broke out during the Highfield Festival on the outskirts of Leipzig, leaving around 30 people injured. The incident occurred when a large ferris wheel caught fire around 9 p.m. during the indie-rock music event, which had gathered approximately 30,000 attendees.
The blaze started in one of the ferris wheel’s gondolas and quickly spread to neighboring cars. Festival staff, alerted by attendees, halted the ride with the burning gondolas at the top. The intensity of the fire turned the flames white.
Several individuals sustained serious injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation. One person, in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, leapt from a height, further complicating their injuries.
The German Red Cross confirmed that at least two people were critically injured. During the fire, a nearby concert by a German rapper continued to prevent mass panic. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Ferris wheel gondolas went up in flames yesterday at the Highfield Festival on the outskirts of Leipzig, Germany.
— The Secret Firefighter UK (@TheSecretFF999) August 18, 2024
At least 30 people, including police officials have been injured according to reports from the region. pic.twitter.com/nMMfmxc4Pl