Ferris wheel carts burst into flames with horrified riders on board (video)

Fairgoers could do nothing but watch in horror as a Ferris wheel rotated with carts on fire while riders screamed for their life.

Shocking video of the horrifying incident shows raging flames and thick black smoke billowing from the attraction at Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany.

Eyewitnesses said some people were still onboard the ride when the fire broke out at around 9pm on Saturday, August 17.

More than 30 people were rushed to hospital to be treated for injuries. Footage shared on X shows people watching helplessly as the burning wheel continued to turn with sparks flying from its frame.

The wheel appeared to have at least 24 carts with some very close to the two on fire.

Four police officers were among the people hurt with two people suffering serious injuries, the Sun reports.

Local police spokeswoJosephinephin Sader told BILD: “The fire broke out in one gondola for reasons still unknown and then spread to a second one.

“We currently know that there are over 30 injured people, including four injured police officers, but all of them are probably slightly injured.

“Two people were seriously injured. There were no fatalities.”

Many of the minor injuries were reportedly caused by smoke inhalation.

The popular festival attracts around 30,000 visitors each year.

German rapper Ski Aggu stopped his set early as the fire broke out.

One of the event organisers said around an hour after the fire broke out “The show must go on.”

The festival is scheduled to go ahead as planned today, August 18.

Meanwhile, the cause of the blaze remains unknown and investigations are underway.

Watch video below.

Yesterday evening, a Ferris wheel caught fire during the Highfield festival in the #Germany city of #Leipzig. Two booths caught fire at the height of the celebration, when people were there. pic.twitter.com/r55LMVTN5S

— Mina (@Mina696645851) August 17, 2024