No injuries were reported during the incident involving the ferris wheel at the Wairiki Sevens tournament, as confirmed by tournament director Iowane Gade. Although Mr. Gade acknowledged the occurrence of the incident, he refrained from providing specific details regarding the cause or nature of the malfunction that occurred mid-ride.
A video circulating on social media depicted bystanders attempting to stop the spinning wheels manually after smoke was seen coming from the engine. Fortunately, all riders were able to disembark safely from the malfunctioning attraction.
In light of the incident, Mr. Gade has ordered the ferris wheel operator to suspend operations to ensure public safety remains a top priority. Additionally, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team is scheduled to inspect and dismantle the ride.
Despite this hiccup, Mr. Gade assured that the mishap will not disrupt the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which continues through Saturday. He encouraged fans to come out and support the teams, emphasizing that the competition is proceeding as planned.
Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed the incident and stated that further details would be provided at a later time.
This incident, although alarming, highlights the importance of safety measures at public events. With authorities taking the necessary precautions, attendees can feel secure while enjoying the ongoing sports competition.
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