Two teenagers injured after falling from Ferris wheel in Greymouth

Two 15-year-old girls were injured after falling approximately 12m from a Ferris wheel at the AgFest West Coast event on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Greymouth aerodrome about 30 minutes before the event was due to close. A third girl standing below the ride was also injured when the passengers fell.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood reported that a support strut on a seat broke and hit a supporting column, causing the seat to tip forward and pitch the passengers out. One teenager stated that her friend grabbed a side bar or grate which broke off easily, causing the cart to tip until they were nearly upside down. The teenager added, “I want to make it known we did not jump and we were not rocking. The cart broke easily. It was not our fault”.

Hato Hone St John was notified of the fall at 3.09pm, and two people were transported to Greymouth Hospital. One victim sustained moderate injuries and another sustained minor injuries. The girl who was hit while standing on the ground was reported to be okay but in shock.

WorkSafe has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the Ferris wheel while inspectors make enquiries into the circumstances. The ride was operated by Sturgeon Amusements Ltd. AgFest West Coast managing director Andy Thompson said the machines had passed inspections prior to the event.

How it developed

• Tue 20 Oct, 3:16pmWorkSafe confirmed an inspector issued a prohibition notice to prevent the Ferris wheel from being used while enquiries continue.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the specific injuries, with some stating one person had moderate and another had minor injuries, while others list the injuries of the two teenagers specifically as a sprained foot and head, stomach, and leg injuries

Compiled from reports by The Press, NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times, 1News and Stuff.