Crashed Star Flyer ride 'shut down' as safety inspectors probe what went wrong

Health and safety inspectors were today, Friday, December 13, probing what went wrong at the 55m-high Star Flyer ride which 'failed and crashed' in Birmingham city centre. The Christmas attraction has been shut down while an investigation is carried out.

Two women were injured at the Centenary Square funfair. The pair were taken to hospital, but their condition was not thought to be serious. Paramedics treated 11 others and they were discharged at the scene.

The swing ride will not be operating while Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors make all the necessary checks to investigate what happened just before 7.30pm yesterday. Evidence will be taken and BirminghamLive understands the ride is likely to be "closed for the foreseeable" so it can be understood how the popular attraction may have malfunctioned.

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A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokeswoman told BirminghamLive: “We appreciate the concern around this incident and are working with the relevant authorities. We also have specialists attending the site today. There will be an investigation to establish what happened.”

West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement last night: "At approximately 7.30pm on Thursday, December 12 we responded to an incident at Centenary Square outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

"One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended, and arrived in just over four minutes. This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed. The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.

"We assisted ambulance colleagues with treatment of a number of casualties, whose injuries are not life-threatening. One casualty has been conveyed to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. We are not working on the rescue of any further casualties. This incident has now been left with West Midlands Police."