Children left screaming in terror as Redditch ferris wheel 'breaks' - The Redditch Standard

Children left screaming in terror as Redditch ferris wheel 'breaks'

Redditch Editorial 6th Nov, 2019 Updated: 6th Nov, 2019   0

CHILDREN were left screaming in terror after a bar broke on a ferris wheel in Redditch, according to eyewitnesses.

Police were called to the incident at Arrow Valley Park last night where Redditch Borough Council’s annual firework display was taking place.

Local resident Emily Jackson said: “My six-year-old son was on the ride and the first thing I noticed was a clanging sound.

“Everyone was looking around wondering where it was coming from and then a man pointed to the bar which had broken on the ride.




“Understandably parents wanted their children off it straight away.

“Parents were grabbing the ride to let their children off.”


The white bar appears to be broken on the ferris wheel. s

Mum Kerry Tudor whose daughter was on the ferris wheel said: “No amount of money can pay for the fear my child felt last night.

“She’s still not 100 per cent this morning.”

Many also claimed the emergency stop button had failed.

Another eyewitness, Victoria Neale, said: “It wasn’t just my nephew who was affected, it was traumatic for many parents and children who were screaming.”

When contacted by the Standard the owner of the ferris wheel, Tommy Wilson, said there had been no injuries and no one had fallen off.

This was confirmed by the police.

Tommy said: “As far as I’m aware there was nothing wrong with the ride.

“We looked at the ride after the police called me but we couldn’t see anything, no breakdowns or anything.

“But until we get a proper version of the events, as far as we’re concerned, it’s just hearsay.

“We would encourage people to come forward so we can look into it.”

Redditch Borough Council has also been alerted to the incident.

A spokesperson said: “We want to reassure residents that relevant supporting machinery and equipment safety inspection reports were required and requested by the council and provided prior to the event.”

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