Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Holly Evans and Barney Davis

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

Police were called to Centenary Square in Birmingham city centre - (BBC)

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 (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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.