On Saturday (8.17,) a Ferris Wheel caught on fire at Leipzig, Germany’s Highfield music festival, injuring at least 30 people.
At approximately 9 p.m. local time the incident occurred while German rapper Ski Aggu was onstage. And taking to social media following the incident, the musician later said that he was told to continue his performance despite the blaze in the visible distance.
“I’m absolutely shocked and upset about the Ferris wheel fire during my show at Highfield.” “I was only told through my earpiece that I should not stop the show under any circumstances, but should initially continue to talk with you so avoid mass panic. The priority was to prevent the situation from escalating any further. Fortunately, that worked,” wrote Aggu.
Though the exact cause of the fire was undetermined as of Sunday (but 8.18,) an initial investigation revealed that the blaze started in one empty gondola and then spread to an adjacent gondola.
According to the German Red Cross said, of the 30 injured patrons, two suffered unspecified serious injuries, four more suffered burns in the incident, and one person sustained injuries from a fall, while the majority of the remaining injuries were smoke inhalation-related.
In a formal statement (via the Independent) from Highfield Festival organizers: “Those affected are receiving treatment and are doing well considering the circumstances. We are in close coordination with the fire brigade, the police and the rescue and medical services.” “We will cordon off the ferris wheel accordingly and then continue operations as planned.”
One of Germany’s biggest music festivals, this year’s Highfield Festival featured headliners Rise Against, Macklemore along with Mando Daio, Flogging Molly, Less Than Jake, the Kooks and more.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Dietmar Rabich