2 Girls Injured in Louisiana Ferris Wheel Fall
Two girls were injured during a Ferris wheel incident at the Harvest Festival in Louisiana. This alarming event occurred on Saturday afternoon, approximately 40 miles northwest of Baton Rouge in New Roads. As a result of the malfunction, one girl sustained broken bones, while the other may be experiencing brain bleeding.
Details of the Incident
Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic scene as the Ferris wheel appeared to have stopped mid-ride. One of the baskets was tipped upside down when the girls were ejected while the ride was in motion. They fell at least 20 feet onto a steel platform below, with a third girl managing to cling to the basket, suspended about 15 feet in the air.
Witness Accounts
- Ronald Brasseaux, a witness, described the ride as “stuck at an angle” before the girls flipped out.
- Brasseaux also expressed concerns about the safety of the Ferris wheel, noting he felt unsafe on the ride the previous day.
Investigation Initiated
Following this incident, the State Fire Marshal’s Office has begun an investigation. This agency is responsible for conducting safety checks on amusement rides at events like the Harvest Festival. Reports indicate that only the Ferris wheel and one nearby ride have been closed to the public.
Community Impact and Festival Information
Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Rene’ Thibodeaux confirmed that the incident occurred around 12 p.m. The annual Harvest Festival is known for celebrating and supporting the local agriculture-based community. Authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
As the investigation unfolds, both the sheriff’s office and the fire marshal’s office are being contacted for further details to ensure the safety of festival-goers in the future.
