A 13-year-old girl narrowly escaped a tragic mishap at a local fair in Rakehti village, Nighasan, after slipping out of her gondola on a 60-foot-high Ferris wheel. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday evening, left onlookers in shock as the girl clung to an iron rod while dangling mid-air in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri.
The terrifying episode began when the Ferris wheel suddenly started moving, causing the teenager to lose her balance. Cries of alarm filled the air as concerned onlookers shouted, “Neeche kar jhula (Bring down the Ferris wheel)” and “Arey Ram Ram (Ram Ram).”
Quick thinking by the ride operator ensured her safety. He stopped the swing and managed to bring the girl down after a tense minute of her hanging precariously.
In Lakhimpur Kheri, A 10-year-old girl hung on for 5 minutes to a 200-foot-high swing after slipping from the seat.
The incident occurred at the Rakehti village fair.pic.twitter.com/77zUkDXt2j
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Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajiv Nigam confirmed that the girl, who has not been identified, is safe and unharmed.
Safety Violations at the Fair
The Ferris wheel was reportedly operating without official permission, according to local authorities. “An investigation will reveal how the swing was running without approval,” said SDM Nigam.
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The incident has raised questions about the safety measures and regulatory oversight at local fairs. Unauthorized rides and insufficient safety protocols continue to be a significant concern, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
Witnesses praised the operator’s presence of mind but criticized the lack of safety precautions. Parents and community members have called for stricter enforcement of fairground regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are expected to take legal action against those responsible for the unauthorized operation of the Ferris wheel.
