UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded at the Harvest Festival in New Roads, Louisiana, where two young girls were injured after being thrown from a Ferris wheel. The event occurred on November 1, 2023, as festival-goers were enjoying rides and attractions.
Witnesses report that three girls boarded a Ferris wheel basket when suddenly, the basket tipped, sending the girls plummeting to the ground. Eyewitness Madison Fields, present at the scene, described the moment as a “loud boom,” recalling, “I heard like a body, just like something falling.” She recounted seeing one girl land face-first, suffering significant injuries.
Both girls, aged under 13, were swiftly transported to local hospitals for treatment. One of the girls was airlifted to a medical facility in Baton Rouge. The condition of the injured girls remains unknown at this time.
Video footage shared on social media captures the chaotic scene, showing police and bystanders rushing to assist the girls. Eddie Jones, who recorded the incident, expressed his fears about riding the Ferris wheel again, stating, “Yeah, I’ll probably never get on another Ferris wheel.”
The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal has confirmed it is conducting an active investigation into the incident. Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux announced that all rides at the festival have been temporarily shut down to facilitate a thorough inspection. Following the investigation, all rides except for the Ferris wheel were reopened.
As the Harvest Festival, which began in late October, concluded on November 2, many attendees expressed concern and sadness over the accident. Fields remarked on the emotional impact, saying, “It was sad and upsetting, like, because, what if that could have been me?”
Authorities are expected to release further updates as they continue their investigation into this alarming incident. This story is developing, and we will provide the latest information as it becomes available.