Two women were hospitalized following a dramatic incident at the Birmingham Christmas fair, where the City Flyer ride unexpectedly dropped to the ground. The unexpected crash occurred around 7:30 PM during operation at Centenary Square, leaving emergency services rushing to the scene and several fairgoers shaken.
The West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the ride had "failed and crashed" with some seat gondolas reportedly tangled, as witnesses recounted the alarming moment the ride lost control. Thirteen people received medical attention, with two women transferred to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, their injuries were deemed not serious, and others who were assessed received advice and were discharged on site.
A spokesperson for the West Midlands Police indicated their presence at the scene to support emergency staff and conduct investigations. "A small number of people are being treated at the scene; no serious injuries have been reported," the police stated, requesting the public to avoid the area as they cordoned off access around Centenary Square.
Among the witnesses, Louise Brown, who works for the BBC and was on the ride at the time of the crash, shared her shock and horror. "We were innocently having fun, and then—bam!—it just crashed to the ground. It’s hard to process how terrifying it all was, especially thinking about my kids being on there too," she remarked, conveying both her gratitude for being alive and her frustration at the incident's potential dangers.
The ride involved, the City Flyer, is known for its height, soaring 55 meters above ground. Videos taken by onlookers show the chaotic aftermath, with tangled wires and emergency crews attending to those injured.
Danter Attractions, the company responsible for managing the City Flyer, expressed their concern and stated they were fully cooperating with authorities during the investigation. "Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected, and we are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened," the company said.
Adding to the incident's gravity, two men aged 55 and 21 were arrested at the scene, suspected of perverting the course of justice and obstructing the police. They remain detained as authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to this accident.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced they are launching their investigation, sending specialists to the site to determine how such a catastrophic failure could occur on what was supposed to be a festive and joyous occasion. A spokesperson for the HSE reassured the public, stating, "We appreciate the concern around this incident and are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate it thoroughly." The cordon around the ride is expected to remain through at least the following day as the investigation continues.
Reports and images from the scene have sparked concern throughout the Birmingham community, with many expressing disbelief over how quickly fun turned to fear. The incident puts focus on the safety protocols surrounding fairground rides, especially during high-attendance events like Christmas markets.
