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Two women hospitalised after fairground ride ‘failed and crashed’ in Birmingham city centre

The City Flyer ride in Centenery Square dropped to the ground level ‘whilst in operation’

Holly Evans,Barney Davis
Friday 13 December 2024 04:02 EST
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Two people taken to hospital after fairground ride ‘dropped to ground’

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Two women have been taken to hospital after suffering injuries on a fairground ride that “failed and crashed” in Birmingham.

The West Midlands Fire Service said the City Flyer ride had dropped to ground level “whilst in operation” in Centenary Square at 7.30pm on Thursday.

Images of the aftermath show wires from at least two gondolas on the 55m tall swing ride tangled up with each other.

The 55m high City Flyer crashed in operation
The 55m high City Flyer crashed in operation (Phil Barnett/PA Wire)

Thirteen people were treated by West Midlands Ambulance Service with two taken to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

The ambulance service said the two women taken to hospital were not believed to have suffered serious injuries, while the remaining casualties were checked over and discharged at the fair.

“This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed,” the fire service said.

“The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.”

The fire service added that they were not working to rescue any other people from the crash.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found 13 patients.

“Two women, were treated by ambulance staff for injuries not believed to be serious and conveyed to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

“Nine women and two men were assessed by medics before being given self-care advice and discharged at the scene.”

(Phil Barnett/PA Wire)

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said on Thursday night: “We currently have officers in Centenary Square, Birmingham following reports of an issue with one of the rides.

“A small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics, but no serious injuries have been reported.

“Centenary Square remains cordoned off this evening while we support our emergency service colleagues. Please avoid the area.”

Danter Attractions, who manage the ride, declined to comment when contacted about the incident.

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