At least five people were injured in an accident involving a chain carousel at the Bayreuth Spring Festival on April 21, 2025. The incident, which occurred during the popular festival, left three individuals with moderate injuries and two with minor injuries. Among the injured were four minors and one adult.
Initially, police reported six injuries, but further updates clarified that five individuals were affected. The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) reported that some of the injured suffered bone fractures, and two of them were subsequently hospitalized.
The accident was attributed to a technical defect in the carousel, which failed to slow down as the gondolas descended from the top of the mast. Consequently, the gondolas did not reduce their radius during the descent, leading to collisions with surrounding lamps, masts, and displays. At the time of the incident, nearly all 20 seats on the carousel were occupied.
Numerous emergency services were deployed to the scene to assist those injured. The police are actively seeking additional injured individuals who may not have received on-site treatment, as well as witnesses and any video recordings of the accident. In response to the incident, the BRK established a care center at the fairground for those affected.
The area around the affected ride has been cordoned off, and it will be examined by an expert in the coming days. The operator of the carousel reported that it had just undergone inspection prior to the festival. "I have just received a fresh TÜV (technical inspection) certificate," the operator stated, emphasizing that the annual inspection occurred right before the Spring Festival, making this incident particularly unexpected.
Despite the accident, the Spring Festival continues, with festivities ongoing around the carousel area. The festival, which began on Saturday, April 20, will run until April 27, 2025.
Safety measures are typically stringent for rides at festivals, with thorough inspections conducted by external experts before the start of events. However, accidents can still occur. For instance, at the Oktoberfest in 2023, several individuals were slightly injured in a collision between two roller coaster cars, although those incidents were resolved without serious consequences.
Yvonne Heckl, spokesperson for the Wiesn showmen, commented on the situation, stating, "Even when accidents end without severe injuries, it’s something that doesn’t leave you cold." She highlighted the importance of following strict safety protocols and deadlines for ride inspections, which are generally carried out by local building authorities or TÜV.
The operator of the Bayreuth carousel expressed a commitment to uncovering the cause of the malfunction. "We want to know what went wrong. We will do everything we can to clarify the incident and ensure that we can provide proper answers," he said. His primary concern is the well-being of the injured, hoping for their swift recovery.
As investigations continue, the police have urged anyone who witnessed the event or has relevant footage to come forward. The safety of festival-goers remains a top priority, and the ongoing investigation aims to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Bayreuth Spring Festival, a cherished tradition in the region, aims to provide entertainment and enjoyment for families and visitors alike. However, this accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with amusement rides, even those that have passed safety inspections.
As the community rallies around those affected by the incident, the focus remains on ensuring that safety protocols are upheld and that the festival can continue to be a source of joy for all attendees.
