Two teenage girls are recovering from injuries suffered in a fall from a Ferris wheel at an agricultural trade show in Greymouth over the weekend.
By Rachel Graham of RNZ
The girls fell several metres from the ride at AgFest West Coast and hit another girl on the ground on Saturday afternoon.
AgFest West Coast managing director Andy Thompson said it was unclear how far or why the girls fell, and WorkSafe had been notified.
"I didn't witness the incident myself, but it is fair to say more than two or three metres from what I can tell, and possibly more than that," he said.
Thompson said he had spoken to the mother of the girl who was hit on the ground, who said she was okay, but concerned for the teens.
"The other two girls, I have not had a direct report yet from the authorities on their wellbeing but I understand their injuries were minor – still that is just very, very lucky that they weren't injured any further," he said.
Thompson said everyone else was asked to get off the ferris wheel. Operator Sturgeon Amusements shut down the ride and contacted the safety regulator.
He said police took photos and secured the scene.
The event ran from Friday to Saturday and was only 30 minutes from closing when the girls fell, Thompson said.
"We'd had an incredibly successful day with over 10,000 people attending so it was a real shame that in the final few minutes an incident occurred. All the protocols and procedures we had in place, with the on-ground medical staff, police and communications with St John meant it was handled quickly and professionally."
Sturgeon Amusements has been contacted for comment.
A WorkSafe spokesperson confirmed the regulator had been notified and inspectors were making enquiries to understand the circumstances of the fall.
"An inspector has issued a prohibition notice while our enquiries are ongoing. This notice prevents use of the Ferris wheel while a competent person is engaged to assess the Ferris wheel and provide a report to the owner, Sturgeon Amusements Ltd, and WorkSafe," the spokesperson said.
Three men were injured after falling from a Ferris wheel operated by Events Hire at Rolling Meadow Festival in Christchurch on New Year's Day.
In August 2025 a part was seen to fall off a Ferris wheel operating at the Illuminate light show in Christchurch.
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