A fire broke out on a Ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany, on Saturday, leading to over 30 people sustaining injuries, according to local news sources. The incident took place around 9 p.m. during the annual music festival, which typically draws a crowd of up to 30,000 attendees.
A video of the incident showed the Ferris wheel engulfed in flames, still spinning as thick, black smoke billowed into the night sky. The ride operators managed to stop and reverse the wheel, positioning the burning car near the top. The fire was so intense that its core glowed white.
Local authorities reported that the fire started in one passenger car and quickly spread to another. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Among the injured, four individuals suffered burns, and one person was injured after falling from the ride.
Most of the 30 people treated for injuries suffered from mild smoke inhalation. However, the German Red Cross reported that two individuals were seriously injured. Four police officers were also among those treated for injuries.
The Highfield Festival, a four-day event, features a variety of musical performances. German rapper Ski Aggu was on stage when the fire erupted. Despite the unfolding chaos, he was instructed to continue his performance to prevent a mass panic.
In a statement on his Instagram story, Ski Aggu said, “I was just told through my earpiece that I should not end the show under any circumstances.” He added that his priority was to ensure the situation did not escalate further, thanking the audience for their calm response.
Festival organizers announced that they would cordon off the Ferris wheel but continue with the remainder of the weekend’s festivities. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.