Yahoo News Two people rushed to hospital after fairground ride 'failed and crashed' in Birmingham
Two people have been taken to hospital in Birmingham after a fairground ride 'failed and crashed'. Officers at the scene allegedly told reporters that the 55-metre-high Star Flyer ride had allegedly been involved in the incident.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said that 13 people have been injured at Centenary Square's Christmas Fairground. Of them, two were taken to hospital.
They have also warned the public to avoid the area. Dozens of people have been pictured at the park, alongside police cars, fire engines, and ambulances, BirminghamLive reports.
West Midlands police have confirmed that there have been injured following reports of 'an issue' with a ride. They said that a 'small number' of people had been injured and that there have not been any serious injuries reported.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "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."
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "At approximately 7.30pm, on Thursday, December 12, 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."
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: "We’re aware of the incident in Centenary Square. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and wish them a speedy recovery.
"Our emergency planning officers are the scene to support emergency services if required."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Two people have been taken to hospital following an incident at a fairground ride in Birmingham this evening. We were called to Centenary Square at 7.29pm and sent two ambulances, five paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor, critical care paramedic, two Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) emergency doctors and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene.
"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 three men were assessed by medics before being given self-care advice and discharged at the scene.”
