A ferris wheel incident on Taveuni during the Wairiki Sevens tournament raised safety concerns, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Tournament director Iowane Gade acknowledged the issue but refrained from providing details on how the malfunction occurred. He did not wish to disclose the operator’s name either.
Witnesses captured footage on social media showing smoke emanating from the ferris wheel’s engine, prompting bystanders to intervene and assist riders in disembarking safely. Following the incident, Gade stated that the operator had been instructed to halt operations to prioritize public safety. Additionally, he mentioned that the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team would conduct an inspection and dismantle the ride the following day.
Despite the scare, Gade reassured attendees that the ferris wheel incident would not disrupt the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which runs through Saturday. He encouraged spectators to attend the events in support of the teams.
Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed the incident and indicated that more details would be released soon.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in amusement rides, and the quick response from the community helped ensure that everyone remained unharmed. Moving forward, the emphasis on rigorous safety inspections reflects a commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
In summary, while the ferris wheel malfunction caused concern, effective management ensured a safe outcome, allowing the Wairiki Sevens tournament to proceed without interruption.
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