NEW ROADS, LA – In a startling turn of events, two teenage girls were hospitalized following a fall from a Ferris wheel at the local harvest festival. The incident has sparked an investigation and left the community on edge.
Emergency services responded swiftly around noon when the girls were ejected from the ride. One of the girls required airlifting to Baton Rouge for treatment, signaling the severity of her injuries.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office has closed the Ferris wheel and a neighboring ride for inspections, though the festival remains open. The rest of the attractions have been deemed safe following initial checks.
Eyewitnesses described the Ferris wheel cart as being stuck at an angle with its door ajar, raising questions about possible mechanical failures. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the cause of the malfunction.
Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux stated that while the exact conditions of the girls are unknown, the situation is being treated with the utmost urgency. Local law enforcement is collaborating with state officials to ensure a thorough examination.
Festival attendees are noticeably shaken, with many expressing concerns over ride safety. Despite the unsettling event, the festival continues, albeit with a more somber atmosphere.