65 People Injured After Ferris Wheel Gondola Bursts Into Flame at Music Festival

Mar. 15, 2025

At least 65 people were treated for injuries after a ferris wheel caught fire at a music festival in Germany.

The incident occurred after one gondola burst into flames at theHighfield Festivalin Leipzig on Saturday, Aug. 17 at around 9 p.m. local time, the Leipzig Police Department confirmed in astatementon Aug. 18.

The incident left 65 attendees in need of medical treatment as a result of the fire, and 16 people were then transported to the hospital for additional treatment, according to the police.

There were four people who had burns and one person who was injured due to a fall. A majority of the other injuries were related to smoke inhalation, according toRolling Stone. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

People watching as the fire spreads to another gondola.Str./picture alliance via Getty

Str./picture alliance via Getty

After an “initial assessment” of the incident, it was determined that the cause of the fire was due to “material located under the ferris wheel” catching fire and spreading to a gondola, the statement adds.

Photos of the incident show one gondola engulfed in flames and smoke, while another shot shows the gondola to the right then also catching fire.

The police add that it is unclear how the material caught fire and that an investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to local authorities and organizers of the Highfield Festival for comment.

One of the ferris wheel’s gondolas on fire at the Highfield Festival in Germany.Str./picture alliance via Getty

German rapper Ski Aggu, who was listed in the lineup for Aug. 17 on the festival’swebsite, said he was performing on stage when the fire broke out, according to a statement shared to hisInstagram Storieson Sunday, Aug. 18.

Front entrance at the Highfield Festival in Germany.Heiko Rebsch/picture alliance via Getty

Heiko Rebsch/picture alliance via Getty

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He adds that he was told in his ear piece “that under no circumstances should I cancel the show” and to instead communicate with the crowds in order to avoid “mass panic.”

“For me, the priority was to ensure that the situation did not escalate further, which fortunately worked,” he continued. “Thank you for all staying calm and possibly preventing something worse from happening.”

source: people.com