A terrifying incident unfolded at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, on Saturday evening when a Ferris wheel caught fire, leaving around 30 people injured. The popular music festival, held at Stormthaler Lake, was thrown into chaos as flames engulfed two gondolas on the Ferris wheel, causing thick smoke to billow into the night sky.
The fire broke out around 9 p.m., and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Witnesses described a scene of panic as festival-goers scrambled to safety. Emergency services were quick to respond, with fire brigades, police, and medical teams working together to manage the situation and assist those in need.
In a statement released by the festival organizers, they reassured the public that those affected were receiving medical treatment and were “doing well considering the circumstances.” Of the 30 people injured, 18 are currently being treated in the hospital, with four individuals sustaining injuries directly from the fire and one person suffering injuries from a fall during the chaos.
The fire also impacted law enforcement at the scene, with reports indicating that four police officers were among those injured. The two gondolas that caught fire were completely destroyed, but a fire brigade spokesperson confirmed that the situation was brought under control before it could escalate further.
German rapper Ski Aggu was performing on stage when the fire erupted. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, he expressed his shock and concern for the victims. “I am absolutely dismayed and shocked by the Ferris wheel fire during my show at Highfield,” he wrote. Ski Aggu revealed that he was advised to continue his performance to prevent mass panic. “For me, the priority was that the situation did not escalate further, which fortunately also worked,” he added, praising the calm response of the crowd and the swift actions of the rescue workers.
Despite the alarming incident, festival organizers were determined to continue the event. Shortly after 10 p.m., they announced that the Ferris wheel had been closed and that performances on stage had resumed. In their message to the attendees, they urged everyone to “continue to look after one another” and commended the audience for their cooperation during the crisis. “You are doing a great job. The shows are back in action,” the organizers stated, trying to restore a sense of normalcy after the harrowing event.
The fire at Highfield Festival has raised questions about safety protocols at large-scale events, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the blaze. Meanwhile, the festival continues, with attendees and organizers alike reflecting on the importance of staying calm and supporting one another in moments of crisis.