A 52-year-old security guard was crushed to death by a descending gondola on the 260-foot (80-metre) “Hangover” free-fall ride at Munich’s Oktoberfest, The Sun reports.
The Serbian national was reportedly struck after entering a restricted area beneath the attraction. The gondola, carrying passengers, descended from the top of the tower and fatally injured the worker.
Emergency crews performed first aid at the scene before taking the guard to a Munich hospital, where he later died. The area around the attraction was subsequently sealed off as emergency services responded to the incident.
Police said none of the passengers on the ride were in danger. Criminal investigators have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have recorded the incident.
Witnesses were offered assistance from a crisis intervention team.
Munich Mayor Dominik Krause expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and the employees of the amusement ride.
“My thoughts are with the family of the deceased man and the employees of the amusement ride.
“I thank the emergency services for their quick intervention.”
The fatal incident occurred just days after another ride malfunction at the 191st Oktoberfest, which opened on September 19. Around 40 passengers were reportedly left suspended upside down for about seven minutes after the “Predator” attraction suddenly stopped.
Emergency services responded to the scene, although passengers were able to disembark. Several people reportedly complained of mild dizziness and circulation problems after being suspended.
Oktoberfest typically attracts more than six million visitors to Munich and is scheduled to run until October 4. Around 600 police officers and hundreds of security personnel are deployed across the festival grounds.
By Vafa Guliyeva
