On Thursday evening, chaos erupted at Birmingham's Centenary Square when the City Star Flyer, one of the tallest rides at the city's Christmas market, unexpectedly "failed and crashed," injuring several people. Eyewitnesses described the scene as nothing short of terrifying, with the ride dropping "to ground level whilst in operation," according to West Midlands Fire Service.
The incident took place around 7:30 PM, as individuals enjoyed the festive atmosphere with friends and family. Louise Brown, one of the injured, recounted the frightening experience of being ejected from the ride mid-air, stating, "We were having fun and then it just crashed to the ground. It went backwards first though, which I've never seen it do before." Brown, who works for the BBC, suffered injuries to her face, legs, and arms during the incident.
Attending emergency services, including multiple ambulances and fire engines, quickly tended to the scene. A total of 13 individuals were treated, with two women transported to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Fortunately, their injuries were described as "not believed to be serious," and most were able to receive care on-site before being discharged.
Images of the aftermath depicted cables from at least two gondolas tangled, raising questions about the operation of the ride. Witnesses reported seeing bystanders rushing to assist those who were injured. One onlooker, Amelie Huet, stated, "When I heard the sirens and saw all the emergency vehicles, I knew something was wrong. Someone told us the structure dropped and someone fell out."
Brian Hughes, chairman of the Westside Business Improvement District, expressed relief at the absence of life-threatening injuries but acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, "This must have been a terrible incident to experience. We are hopeful for those who were injured and their swift recovery."
Authorities have indicated they will investigate the cause of the ride's failure, involving both Birmingham City Council and the Health and Safety Executive. A police cordon was established around Centenary Square, urging the public to steer clear of the area as investigations continued.
Birmingham City Council released a statement affirming their awareness of the incident, stating, "Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and we wish them a speedy recovery. Our emergency planning officers are onsite to support emergency services if required."
The City Star Flyer, operated by Danter Attractions, has previously been advertised as one of the premier attractions at the Winter Wonderland festive gathering but now raises serious safety concerns among locals and visitors alike. Despite the incident, Birmingham’s Christmas market remains open, albeit overshadowed by the startling events of the evening.
Witness accounts continued to highlight the emotional toll of the event. Lilly Nitsch, who witnessed the aftermath, remarked, "That’s one of my favorite rides growing up, and it makes me feel lucky, but I can’t shake off the fear now. It really sends shivers down your spine to think it could have been much worse."
Even though joy was supposed to pervade Centenary Square, the focus now lies with the injured and with finding the root cause of this grave malfunction. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with thrill rides and the importance of stringent safety measures at public attractions.
Some locals have expressed their worries about the overall safety of amusement rides at such festive gatherings, leading to calls for more rigorous inspections by safety authorities. A thorough investigation will provide clarity on what went wrong and hopefully prevent similar incidents from occurring.
For now, injured individuals are recovering, though the emotional and psychological impacts of the event may linger long after the physical wounds have healed. "This can never happen again; we are all still in shock," Brown said. Such sentiments encapsulate the feelings of many who were there on what was meant to be a season of cheer and celebration.
Authorities remain vigilant, and the Birmingham community stands united as it grapples with the aftermath of the City Star Flyer incident, hoping for swift recovery for those injured and answers to pressing questions about safety at funfair attractions.