A tragic incident at Munich’s Oktoberfest has resulted in the death of a 52-year-old security guard following an accident at the festival’s popular “Hangover” free-fall ride. The man, originally from Serbia, was fatally struck by one of the gondolas while reportedly in a restricted area of the attraction on Monday evening, September 21st.
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Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9:50 p.m. when reports indicated that an employee had become trapped. Upon arrival, paramedics attempted to revive the security guard before quickly transporting him to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Authorities have indicated that passengers aboard the ride were not in danger at the time of the incident.
Initial police reports suggest the guard was in an area that was off-limits when he was hit by the ride’s gondola, which ascends nearly 300 feet before descending at speeds of around 60 mph. The accident sparked immediate concerns over safety protocols at the festival, which only commenced its 191st season two days prior.
The police have announced that a detailed investigation is underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the guard’s death. Spokesperson Thomas Schelshorn indicated that the inquiry may take “days, if not weeks” to complete, as they piece together the details of the tragic event.
In response to the incident, the Hangover ride was temporarily closed while inspectors from TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) assessed it for any potential technical failures. Following a thorough examination, it was declared safe to reopen, enabling guests to return to the attraction just a day after the incident.
Speaking about the accident, Dirk Metz, a spokesperson for the Schneider family who operate the ride, expressed their shock and sorrow. He conveyed that following such a catastrophic event, regaining a sense of normalcy within the fairground industry would be a challenging process. Metz extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, highlighting the emotional impact of the event.
The occurrence at Oktoberfest comes just after the festival welcomed millions of visitors, enhancing its notoriety as one of the largest and most celebrated beer festivals in the world. Reports from recent years indicate that approximately six million attendees flock to Munich each September to partake in the festivities, drawing crowds from across the globe.
Oktoberfest has experienced its share of accidents over the years; notably, on the same day as the fatal incident, another ride called the “Predator” stranded riders upside down, prompting a swift evacuation. Such incidents raise ongoing concerns about rider safety and operational protocols at large-scale events.
As the city of Munich and the Oktoberfest organisation grieve this loss, the focus shifts to ensuring safety and preventing further tragedies in the future. Investigators will continue their work, and further updates regarding their findings are anticipated in the coming weeks.