On Monday, April 21, 2025, an accident involving a carousel at the Bayreuth Spring Festival resulted in injuries to five people, as reported by local police. The incident occurred during the evening when the ride was occupied by several individuals.
According to police statements, three of the injured sustained moderate injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries. Among the victims were four minors and one adult. Initially, the police had indicated that six individuals were hurt.
The operator of the carousel confirmed that all injured individuals were able to exit the ride independently. Expressing his regret for the victims, he stated, "I can’t say anything right now—except that I feel terrible for those affected." He emphasized his hope for their swift recovery, adding that he spoke of three injured individuals.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the accident occurred when the gondolas of the carousel failed to decelerate sufficiently during descent. This failure caused the gondolas to collide with surrounding poles, lamps, and advertising displays, leading to the injuries. A police spokesperson indicated that a technical defect is suspected to have caused the carousel to malfunction.
An expert commissioned by the police will investigate the ride to determine the exact cause of the accident. The carousel, which can reach a height of 30 meters at full speed, had recently undergone inspection prior to the festival. The operator noted that the annual inspection occurred just before the Spring Festival, marking this incident as the ride's first use since the inspection.
"We want to know what went wrong," the operator stated. "We will do everything necessary to clarify the incident and to ensure we can provide proper answers." For now, he refrained from speculating on the cause of the accident.
In response to the incident, numerous rescue workers were dispatched to the festival grounds. Despite the accident, the Spring Festival continued, with only the area around the carousel being cordoned off for safety. The Red Cross established a care center on-site for potential additional injured individuals.
Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward and report any relevant information. A police spokesperson mentioned that an upload portal for potential images related to the incident would likely be activated later in the evening.
In Germany, fairground rides typically undergo thorough inspections by external experts before the start of festivals. Albert Ritter, President of the German Association of Showmen, highlighted that the country has some of the highest safety standards for amusement rides in the world. "Monitoring of temporary structures is a state task, ensuring a neutral control instance," he explained.
Ritter noted that there are regular inspections according to fixed rules and deadlines. For technically complex structures, the operating license expires annually and must be renewed. Additionally, a usage inspection is conducted before the start of a festival, typically by the local building authority or the TÜV.
Despite rigorous safety measures, accidents can still occur at amusement parks and festivals, often with minor injuries. For instance, during the Oktoberfest in 2023, several people were slightly injured in a collision between two roller coaster cars. The affected individuals received outpatient treatment after one wagon rolled at low speed into another on the family rollercoaster.
Yvonne Heckl, spokeswoman for the Wiesn showmen, commented on the recent Bayreuth incident, saying, "Even if accidents turn out well, it's something that doesn't leave you cold."
In a tragic case unrelated to the festival, a fatal accident occurred in August 2022 in Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate, at the Klotten amusement park, where a 57-year-old woman died after falling from a roller coaster. A TÜV report confirmed that the roller coaster was technically safe at the time of the accident.
As investigations continue into the Bayreuth carousel accident, officials are committed to ensuring the safety of all fairground attractions. The community remains hopeful for the swift recovery of those injured and is awaiting further updates from the authorities.
