A Christmas fairground ride collapsed in Birmingham's Centenary Square on December 12, 2024, leaving several people injured and prompting immediate action from emergency services. The Star Flyer ride, which rises 180 feet above the ground, reportedly malfunctioned around 7:30 PM, leading to chaos as it dropped to ground level. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with images on social media showing tangled seats and emergency responders at work.
West Midlands Police confirmed they received multiple reports of the incident and dispatched officers to the scene to assist. A police cordon was put in place around the ride to secure the area and facilitate emergency operations. According to statements from the police, "a small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics, but no serious injuries have been reported."
Emergency services responded swiftly, with the West Midlands Ambulance Service indicating they were on-site shortly after the collapse. Paramedics found 13 patients needing assistance, two of whom were believed to be injured but not seriously, and were transferred to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Witnesses shared their experiences of the shocking event, with one bystander noting, "It was all the way up there and it fell, the thing fell!" Videos captured individuals scrambling to assist two women who were trapped between collapsed seats and barriers, demonstrating the frantic efforts of those nearby to help. Another witness reportedly saw one girl injured, noting "there was blood on someone’s face," highlighting the gravity of the situation.
According to the West Midlands Fire Service, they arrived on the scene just over four minutes after receiving the call, stating, "One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended... This incident involved a fairground ride failing and crashing, dropping to ground level during operation." They also reassured the public about the nature of the injuries, clarifying, "These injuries are not life-threatening," and emphasized they were not engaged in any rescue operations as they believed all casualties were accounted for.
Alongside the ambulances, rapid response vehicles and police officers were seen at the fairground, managing the situation and providing necessary support. One officer mentioned witnessing several injuries, confirming initial reports from the public.
Birmingham City Council acknowledged the incident and conveyed their well-wishes to those hurt, stating, "We’re aware of the incident in Centenary Square. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and wish them a speedy recovery." They expressed their commitment to coordinate with emergency services, affirming their presence at the scene to support the response.
The identity of the ride operator was yet to be disclosed, and there was no immediate word on what led to the malfunction. Industry experts and local authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent future occurrences.
The festive season typically attracts crowds to events like Christmas fairs, but the Star Flyer incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with amusement rides. The community remains on edge as the aftermath of the collapse continues to be assessed.
Further developments about safety inspections and measures being instituted following the incident are expected to surface as local authorities and the fairground organizers respond to the public's concerns.
Witness accounts and initial investigations indicate growing apprehension among fairgoers about the safety of similar attractions as they enjoy festivities during the holiday season.