Panic erupted at the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay when a popular fairground ride malfunctioned, leaving passengers stranded mid-air. The incident, which occurred during peak hours, sent shockwaves through the crowd as the ride's mechanical failure became apparent.
Chaotic Scenes as Ride Fails
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud metallic groans before the attraction shuddered to a halt. "One moment we were screaming with excitement, the next we were screaming in fear," recounted 19-year-old attendee Ellie Thompson. "We were just dangling there, not knowing if we'd fall."
Emergency Response
Festival security and local emergency services responded swiftly, evacuating passengers using specialist equipment. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they assisted with the operation, which took nearly two hours to complete safely.
Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited debates about ride safety at UK festivals. A Boardmasters spokesperson stated: "All attractions undergo rigorous daily inspections. We're working closely with the ride operators and authorities to investigate this unprecedented failure."
Health and Safety Executive officials have launched an investigation, while the ride remains cordoned off. Festival-goers reported the attraction had been operating normally throughout the day prior to the incident.
