A recent incident involving a malfunctioning ferris wheel at the Wairiki Sevens tournament in Taveuni has fortunately not resulted in any injuries. Tournament director Iowane Gade confirmed that although the ride experienced a technical failure, all riders were safely evacuated.
While Gade acknowledged the incident, he refrained from providing details on the specifics of the malfunction or identifying the operator of the ride. Eyewitness accounts captured on social media show alarming footage of smoke rising from the ferris wheel’s engine, with bystanders intervening to help stop the ride and assist the riders.
In light of the situation, Gade emphasized that safety remains a top priority, leading to the immediate instruction for the ferris wheel operator to halt operations. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) authority is set to inspect and dismantle the ride for further evaluation.
Despite this setback, Gade reassured fans that the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which commenced on Tuesday and runs through Saturday, will continue as scheduled. He encouraged the community to attend and support the event, indicating that the incident would not overshadow the festivities.
The local police department is also looking into the incident and plans to release more information in the coming days.
This incident highlights the importance of safety precautions at public events, and it is heartening to see that, despite the unexpected malfunction, all riders emerged unscathed. The resilience of the community and the commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all participants is commendable.
In summary, the ferris wheel malfunction caused concern but led to a prompt and safe response, allowing the Wairiki Sevens tournament to proceed without disruption.
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