Two girls were hospitalized after being ejected from a Ferris wheel during an event in Louisiana, according to reports. The incident occurred on Saturday at the annual Harvest Festival in New Roads, approximately 40 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.
Witnesses described the accident as the Ferris wheel paused mid-rotation with one of its passenger baskets flipped upside down. The girls fell from a height of at least 20 feet onto a steel platform below, while a third remained clinging to the suspended basket. One child suffered broken bones, and the other may have sustained internal bleeding, according to authorities.
A witness, Ronald Brasseaux, recounted that the Ferris wheel appeared unstable during the ride. He expressed concerns about its safety, stating, “They need to take this thing down.” The sheriff overseeing the investigation indicated that a mechanical failure in the seating mechanism could be responsible.
Both injured girls were transported to Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge for treatment. While details of their conditions remain undisclosed, officials confirmed they are expected to survive. Following the incident, all festival rides were temporarily halted. The Ferris wheel remains closed as authorities continue their probe.
The Harvest Festival, which runs through Sunday, features agricultural exhibits, food, and entertainment. No further updates on the investigation have been released.
