A Ferris wheel is actually an amusement ride consisting of a rotating upright wheel with multiple passenger-carrying components attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, they are kept upright, usually by gravity. Some of the largest modern Ferris wheels would have cars mounted on the outside of the rim, with the great innovation of electric motors to independently rotate each car to keep it upright. All of these cars are often referred to as capsules.
Ferris wheel is not dangerous if properly maintained and rules are followed. In fact, you are more likely to be injured in an accident on the way to an amusement park than on any of the rides. Many Ferris wheel deaths and accidents can be blamed on the rider not following the posted rules, such as rocking the gondolas or unsecured latches, or even safety mechanisms. Operators now prohibit single riders with the hope of preventing disasters or suicide attempts. For those who might not know, these are 5 tragic Ferris wheel accidents that ever happened all around the world.
1) Global Village Ferris Wheel Accident In Dubai (26/1/2013)
A piece of the Ferris wheel located specifically in Dubai had fallen off and then hit a man in the head killing him.
2) Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier Ferris Wheel Accident In New Jersey (3/6/2011)
11-year-old girl, unfortunately, fell over the 100 feet fall from the Ferris wheel she was on to her death.
3) Felixstowe Carnival Ferris Wheel Accident In United Kingdom (13/8/2007)
A 17 yr old girl was tragically trapped underneath the Ferris wheel ride in an attempt to exit it before the ride stop.
4) Warren County Fair Ferris Wheel Accident In Ohio (21/7/2005)
A particular carnival worker got charged with operating a Ferris wheel while he was intoxicated.
5) Gregg County Fair Ferris Wheel Accident In Texas (8/9/2003)
A 20-year-old carnival worker was electrocuted to his own death as he was preparing a Ferris wheel.
Sources: Global Village, Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier, Felixstowe Carnival, Warren County Fair, Gregg County Fair.