Dozens injured as ferris wheel catches fire at music festival in Germany

Smoke and flames were seen billowing from gondolas after a ferris wheel caught fire at music festival in Germany.

Around 30 people have been injured after a ferris wheel caught fire at a music festival in Germany.

Flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the ride at Highfield Festival at Stormthaler Lake, near Leipzig, on Saturday evening.

Two gondolas on the ferris wheel were ablaze around 9pm, according to the festival.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated.

“Those affected are receiving treatment and are doing well considering the circumstances,” a statement from the festival said.

It added: “We are in close co-ordination with the fire brigade, the police and the rescue and medical services.”

UPDATE: The fire is still burning on a ferris wheel at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany - which attracts 30,000 people every year. There were still passengers onboard the ferris wheel as it went up in flames.#BREAKING #Germany pic.twitter.com/gRmw2AzWEt

— Target Reporter (@Target_Reporter) August 17, 2024

Four police officers were among those injured, according to media reports.

The two gondolas were burned out but a fire brigade spokesperson said the situation had been brought under control.