The recent incident involving the ferris wheel at the Taveuni Wairiki Sevens tournament ended without injuries, according to tournament director Iowane Gade. While Gade confirmed the occurrence of the malfunction, he refrained from detailing the specifics of how it happened or disclosing the name of the ride’s operator.
Footage circulating on social media depicts smoke billowing from the ferris wheel’s engine, with bystanders stepping in to manually halt the ride, allowing all riders to exit safely. In light of the incident, Gade stated that the operator has been instructed to halt operation, emphasizing that public safety is of utmost importance.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team is scheduled to inspect and dismantle the ferris wheel today, ensuring that safety measures are being prioritized. Despite the incident, Gade assured that it would not affect the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which began on Tuesday and runs through Saturday. He encouraged spectators to attend and show support for the athletes.
A spokesperson for the police, Wame Bautolu, confirmed the incident and mentioned that more information would be provided later.
This incident, while alarming, serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in amusement rides and community events. The swift response from onlookers and tournament officials ensured a safe outcome, highlighting community vigilance and care for one another.
It is encouraging that despite the incident, the Wairiki Sevens tournament continues, allowing both participants and spectators to come together in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
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