A concerning incident occurred during the Wairiki Sevens tournament involving the ferris wheel on Taveuni. Fortunately, all riders disembarked safely, with no injuries reported, as confirmed by tournament director Iowane Gade.
While he acknowledged that a malfunction took place, Gade declined to provide specific details about the cause of the incident or the identity of the operator involved. Eyewitnesses captured the event on video, which circulated on social media, showing smoke emanating from the ferris wheel’s engine. Onlookers reportedly intervened by manually stopping the ride to ensure the riders’ safe exit.
In response to this incident, Gade emphasized the importance of public safety, instructing the ferris wheel operator to halt operations immediately. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) agency is scheduled to inspect and dismantle the ride to prevent any future issues.
Despite the incident, Gade reassured attendees that it would not impact the ongoing rugby tournament, which began earlier in the week and is set to conclude on Saturday. He encouraged spectators to continue supporting the event throughout its duration.
Police are also investigating the situation and will provide further information as it becomes available.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in public attractions and the swift actions taken can make a difference in ensuring no harm comes to participants.
In summary, while an alarming event occurred, it is heartening to see that all riders are safe, and measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences. The ongoing support for the Wairiki Sevens indicates community resilience and excitement around the tournament.
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