A ferris wheel incident occurred during the Wairiki Sevens tournament, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Iowane Gade, the tournament director, confirmed the incident but declined to provide details about how it happened, including the identity of the operator.
Footage circulating online shows smoke emitting from the ferris wheel’s engine, prompting onlookers to intervene and safely assist riders in disembarking from the malfunctioning attraction. In response to the incident, Gade emphasized the importance of public safety and instructed the ferris wheel operator to halt operations. On the following day, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team is scheduled to inspect and dismantle the ride to ensure everything is safe.
Despite the incident, Gade reassured attendees that the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which began earlier in the week and runs until Saturday, will continue as scheduled. He encouraged fans to attend and support the competition.
A police spokesperson, Wame Bautolu, confirmed the occurrence and stated that further details will be provided later.
This incident highlights the importance of safety at public events and the quick actions of bystanders who ensured everyone’s safety during a potential crisis. It serves as a reminder for event organizers to prioritize safety and thorough inspections of attractions, ensuring that such incidents are minimized in the future.
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