On April 21, 2025, an accident at the Bayreuther Frühlingsfest involving a Kettenkarussell resulted in injuries to at least five individuals. The incident occurred around 6 PM at the Volksfestplatz, where the festive atmosphere was marred by a technical malfunction of the ride.
According to reports, three people sustained moderate injuries, while two suffered minor injuries. The injured included four minors and one adult, with ages ranging from 10 to 32 years. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, deploying 25 ambulances and two rescue helicopters to assist the injured. The severity of the situation prompted the involvement of multiple emergency doctors and psychosocial support teams.
Initial investigations by the police revealed that the Kettenkarussell did not slow down as expected when the gondolas descended from the highest point. Instead, the radius of the rotating gondolas remained unchanged, causing them to collide with surrounding poles, lamps, and displays. This led to reports of bone fractures among the injured, and two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The Kettenkarussell was reported to be nearly full at the time of the accident, with almost all 20 seats occupied. Eyewitnesses noted that the ride was functioning normally until it reached its peak, at which point it failed to decrease speed as intended. This malfunction resulted in a dangerous scenario where the gondolas, instead of safely returning to a lower position, maintained their trajectory and struck various objects.
The operator of the Kettenkarussell stated that the ride had recently passed a thorough inspection prior to the festival. "I have just received a fresh TÜV (technical inspection) certification," he told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The annual examination was conducted just before the Frühlingsfest commenced on April 19, 2025, and this was the first operation of the ride since the inspection.
In light of the accident, the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) established a support center at the festival grounds for those affected. The police have urged any additional injured parties who did not receive immediate medical attention to come forward. They are also seeking witnesses and any video footage of the incident that could assist in the investigation.
The Frühlingsfest, which runs until April 27, 2025, has continued its operations around the affected Kettenkarussell, although the ride itself has been closed off pending further investigation. The police have initiated a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident, and a technical expert has been assigned to examine the ride's mechanisms to determine the precise nature of the defect.
Accidents involving amusement rides, while rare, do occur, and safety regulations are strictly enforced to prevent such incidents. For example, before the commencement of festivals, rides are typically subjected to rigorous inspections by external experts. Despite these precautions, the unexpected nature of mechanical failures highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance in ensuring rider safety.
In a similar vein, during the 2023 Oktoberfest, a minor incident occurred when two roller coaster cars collided, resulting in light injuries to several individuals. This incident, too, was handled swiftly, with the affected parties receiving prompt medical attention.
Yvonne Heckl, a spokesperson for the Wiesn showmen, expressed concern regarding the emotional impact of such accidents, stating, "Even when accidents end without severe consequences, it’s something that doesn’t leave you cold." She emphasized that there are established rules and timelines for the inspection of rides, underscoring the commitment to safety in the amusement industry.
As investigations continue into the Bayreuth incident, the operator is determined to uncover the reasons behind the malfunction. "We want to know what went wrong," he remarked. "We will do everything possible to clarify the incident and ensure that we can answer all questions properly." In the meantime, he expressed his hopes for the swift recovery of those injured, emphasizing the human element at the heart of these unfortunate events.
The Bayreuther Frühlingsfest remains a beloved tradition, drawing crowds with its attractions and festivities. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with amusement rides and the importance of stringent safety measures.
As the community comes together to support the affected individuals, the focus now shifts to ensuring that similar accidents do not occur in the future. The police and festival organizers are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all attendees, reflecting the values of care and responsibility that underpin such community celebrations.
