All rides closed pending safety inspections by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office
Two girls were rushed to the hospital after being thrown from a Ferris wheel at the Harvest Festival in New Roads, Louisiana, on Saturday, according to the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Rene’ Thibodeaux said one of the victims was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital. The girls’ conditions have not been released.
Rides Shut Down Amid Investigation
Following the accident, all rides at the festival were immediately closed until they could be cleared by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Ferris wheel and a nearby slide have remained shut down as the investigation continues.
The Harvest Festival, held annually on Main Street, is described as a “fun-filled family event” that supports the local agriculture-based community.
Witnesses Describe Frightening Scene
Festivalgoer Eddie Jones said he was in line to buy tickets when he heard a scream. “I looked over, and the Ferris wheel car was kicked over,” Jones told WAFB. “The girls were lying on the steel platform below with blood on them. It shouldn’t have stuck like that — someone didn’t do something right.”
Another attendee, Ronald Brasseaux, said he had ridden the Ferris wheel the night before and felt unsafe. “It was cracking — they need to take this down,” he said. “The carts are supposed to swing, but one got stuck at an angle, and that’s when they flipped out.”
Officials Continue Safety Review
Authorities have not released details about what caused the malfunction. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office said the rides will remain closed until all mechanical inspections are complete.
The Harvest Festival organizers have not yet commented on the incident. For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.