Taveuni ferris wheel rides scratched

No one was injured during the Taveuni ferris wheel incident on yesterday according to Wairiki Sevens tournament director Iowane Gade.

Mr Gade while admitting that the incident had taken place refused to elaborate on how it happended.

He said apart from none of the riders getting injured, he would not comment on why and how the ferris wheel malfunctioned midway through a ride.

He did not want to disclose the operator’s name either.

A video is circulating on social media showing smoke coming from the engine with onlookers jumping in to manually stop the engine so that the riders can get off.

All the riders then disembarked safely from the malfunctioned ferris wheel.

Mr Gade confirmed they have instructed the ferris wheel operator to cease operation citing public safety remains paramount.

He added the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) would inspect and dismantle the ride today (Thursday).

“The ferris wheel incident will not affect the week long Wairiki Sevens rugby tournament this week,” Mr Gade said.

“The competition will run as normal; it started on Tuesday and finishes Saturday; we want spectators to come out in numbers to show their support,” he said.

Police spokesperson, Wame Bautolu, while confirming the incident said they would provide further details of the incident later.

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