Two people have been taken to hospital after a fairground ride incident in Birmingham city centre.
West Midlands Fire Service attended the scene in Centenary Square on Thursday (12 December) at around 7.30pm.
The service said that the City Flyer ride dropped to ground level ‘whilst in operation’, which lead to 13 people receiving treatment at the scene and two women being taken to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
The incident took place at a Birmingham Christmas fairground (Facebook/Mr Explorer)
Those who were taken to the hospital were not believed to have suffered serious injuries, the ambulance service said.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “At approximately 1930 on Thursday 12th December we responded to an incident at Victoria Square outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.
“One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended, and arrived in just over four minutes.
“This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed. The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.
“We assisted ambulance colleagues with treatment of a number of casualties, whose injuries are not life-threatening.
“One casualty has been conveyed to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. We are not working on the rescue of any further casualties.
“This incident has now been left with West Midlands Police.”
Images shared on social media appear to show wires from two of the swings tangled up, with police attending the scene.
A witness told the BBC that she felt very ‘lucky’ to not be involved in the incident.
Lilly Nitsch, 18, said: “That’s one of my favourite rides growing up.
“It makes me think of the times you’ve been on rides like that. It makes me feel lucky.”
Amelie Huet, 18, who was with friends at a nearby bar when the incident took place, said: “Someone told us the structure dropped and someone fell out.”
She said she heard sirens from police cars and fire engines going off.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson told The Sun: “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.”
LADbible Group has contacted Danter Attractions, who manage the ride, and West Midlands Police for additional comment.
