At least seven children were injured when a fairground ride collapsed in Venezuela on Saturday night, as onlookers rushed to help free those trapped beneath the debris.
The incident occurred in the town of El Callao, in Bolívar state, when the attraction known as "the flying chairs" gave way at a local funfair at approximately 10.20pm.
Emergency response and injuries
Video footage shows crowds of people frantically trying to lift the debris of the collapsed ride, with children visible lying on the ground underneath it. Officials confirmed that seven youngsters suffered cuts and bruises, although the full severity of their injuries remains unclear.
Emergency crews rushed to the location to treat the injured and take them to nearby hospitals, including the Juan Germán Roscio Hospital, where they continue to be monitored, according to El Nacional, reports the Express.
Inquiry into the collapse
An inquiry has been opened into what caused the collapse, with initial reports indicating that an axle on the main structure failed, causing the seating mechanism to break away and crash to the ground. The amusement park has now been closed following the incident.
It had been run by its current operators for just one month, and an examination is currently taking place to establish whether all appropriate safety rules and standards were being followed.
Separate incident in Rotherham
In a separate incident, three young people were hurt on a fairground attraction in Rotherham, sparking a major emergency services response on Friday. Police and ambulance services were called to Maltby Crags Fair on Friday evening in response to an incident involving a fairground ride.
South Yorkshire Police verified that two children, aged 11 and 13, along with a 21-year-old woman, suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The incident is thought to have happened around 7.30pm. According to local newspaper The Star, at least six police cars arrived at the scene.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at an incident at Maltby Crags Fair in Rotherham after two young people, aged 11 and 13, and a 21-year-old woman [were] injured while on a ride.
"They have been taken to hospital for treatment and the fairground has now closed for the evening (11 September). Blyth Lane was closed between Muglet Lane and Victoria Road to allow people to safely exit the fairground but has since been reopened."
Former Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford posted on Facebook: "News from the fair in Maltby, where a ride has reportedly injured a child. I believe only one child is involved, but please check on your children if they are currently there."
