Five people escaped serious injury after an empty cabin detached from a Ferris wheel at an amusement park in Gyeongju, South Korea, and collided with occupied cabins before falling to the ground.
The incident occurred at about 11.30 am on Thursday at Gyeongju World, according to the Gyeongju city government.
The affected ride, known as the Time Rider, stands 51 metres tall and takes about 12 minutes to complete one rotation. Unlike a conventional Ferris wheel, its cabins travel along a track. The attraction was installed in June last year.
Five passengers taken to hospital
Authorities said the empty cabin came off the track just before reaching the boarding platform. It struck two occupied cabins before crashing to the ground.
Five passengers, comprising four primary school students and a woman in her 40s, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. All were later discharged, with no major injuries reported.
Following the incident, Gyeongju World immediately suspended operation of the ride and began carrying out safety inspections.
Authorities call for stronger safety measures
The Gyeongju city government has advised the amusement park operator to conduct a comprehensive inspection and strengthen its safety management procedures to help prevent similar incidents.
Officials said the accident is unlikely to result in administrative action under the Tourism Promotion Act, as the law provides for penalties only when a ride malfunctions for more than 30 minutes or causes injuries.
Local police also said the incident does not warrant a criminal investigation because no injuries were sustained that could constitute professional negligence resulting in bodily harm.
