The men fell from a ferris wheel after being warned to stop swinging the bucket. File photo: Facebook / Event Hire ChristchurchThe operator of a ferris wheel in Christchurch says three men were warned to stop swinging their bucket, just before they fell. Two of the men were seriously injured when they fell from the ride at the Rolling Meadow Festival at Bottle Lake about 2am on New Year's Day. Event Hire owner Phil Anderson said the safety of riders and the public was their "absolute priority". A WorkSafe spokesperson said they had issued a prohibition notice, which prevents use of the ferris wheel until the department is satisfied an engineering expert has fully investigated and reported back to Event Hire.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 02, 2026 09:37 UTC