Investigation under way after Ice Skate Birmingham fairground ride 'crash' in Centenary Square, Birmingham
A number of people were injured in Centenary Square on Thursday night in an incident involving a fairground ride that had crashed. The area is still sealed off this morning.
A number of people were treated for injuries, although none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Two women were taken to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. It’s understood 13 people were treated for injuries. The chairman of Westside BID has said they are now speaking with the owners of Ice Skate Birmingham, which operates the ride, to find out the cause of the incident.
A statement from the West Midlands Fire Service, read: “At approximately 1930 on Thursday 12th December we responded to an incident at Centenary Square outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.
“One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended, and arrived in just over four minutes. This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed. The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.
“We assisted Ambulance colleagues with treatment of a number of casualties, whose injuries are not life-threatening. One casualty has been conveyed to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. We are not working on the rescue of any further casualties.
“This incident has now been left with West Midlands Police.”
Westside BID statement
Brian Hughes, chairman of Westside BID, has issued a statement to the media following the accident on the Star Flyer ride in Centenary Square.
Mr Hughes said: “Our first thoughts are with those who have been injured.
“While we are relieved to have heard that no-one has received life-threatening injuries, this must have been a terrible incident to experience.
“We have already spoken with the owners of Ice Skate Birmingham, which operates the ride, and we know that they will now be working closely with the authorities to find out exactly what went wrong.”