No injuries were reported during the recent incident involving the Ferris wheel at Taveuni, as confirmed by Wairiki Sevens tournament director Iowane Gade. While Gade acknowledged that the malfunction took place, he opted not to provide specific details about the circumstances or the operator involved.
Footage circulating on social media captured smoke emanating from the Ferris wheel’s engine, prompting onlookers to intervene and aid riders in safely disembarking. Following the incident, Gade stated that the Ferris wheel operator was instructed to cease operations immediately to prioritize public safety. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department is anticipated to conduct an inspection and dismantle the ride.
Despite the incident, Gade reassured attendees that it would not disrupt the ongoing Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament, which commenced on Tuesday and will run through Saturday. He encouraged fans to attend and support their teams throughout the week. Additionally, police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed the incident and indicated that further information would be released in due course.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions at public events. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and organizers are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
In summary, the incident with the Ferris wheel was troubling yet ultimately non-disastrous, as all riders were safely evacuated, allowing the Wairiki Sevens to continue without interruption.
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