A harrowing viral video shows a Ferris wheel overloaded with passengers suddenly begin to collapse.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The giant carnival ride began to slowly tip to the side before giving way, trapping many underneath the wreckage. At least 30 people were injured, including 10 critically.
The incident occurred at a fair in Uttar Pradesh, India, on Wednesday, April 1.
How Many People Were On the Ferris Wheel?
As the New York Post reports, around 80 people were on board the Ferris wheel when the collapse occurred. This was far more than the 60-foot ride was designed to carry.
Cell phone footage, taken during the incident and shared online, shows the ride's support posts giving way. Moments later, the Ferris wheel crashes in front of onlookers. Another clip follows rescuers as they scramble to save passengers, many of whom were women and children.
Onlookers Warned the Operator
After the ride had gone around twice, it began making loud creaking noises. Despite several onlookers warning the operator at the time, the Ferris wheel reportedly continued to operate until the collapse.
Following the collapse, it took almost an hour for rescuers and emergency crews to remove the victims from the debris. Among those critically injured were at least two children.
Preliminary findings show that the base of the ride appeared weak. The Ferris wheel was poorly anchored and unable to handle the excess passengers.
Authorities are investigating allegations of negligence and safety lapses against the fair's operators.
You can view the footage below.
