The Russian Ministry of Health reported that 15 people were hospitalized after a carousel malfunction in a family park in Orenburg, with officials noting that three of those hospitalized were in serious condition. This update was conveyed by the ministry in the latest briefing, reflecting ongoing concern for the welfare of park visitors and the need for a swift medical response to injuries sustained on amusement devices.
State authorities described the scene as the aftermath of a riding incident at a local park, where the carousel transport unit experienced a failure while guests were aboard. The ministry confirmed that the majority of those affected were children, alongside several adults who were present at the time of the incident. The emergency response teams arrived promptly to provide first aid, transport injured individuals to nearby medical facilities, and begin an initial assessment of the equipment involved.
Earlier statements indicated that approximately 15 people, including children, sustained injuries when a carousel collapsed or suffered a structural failure in the Orenburg park area. Investigators and safety inspectors commenced a thorough inspection of the ride and related machinery to determine the root cause, whether it was a mechanical fault, maintenance lapse, or a combination of contributing factors. Officials stressed that safety remains the top priority and that the park authorities will cooperate with regulators to ensure proper remediation and accountability.
In a separate regional incident in Vladivostok, a ferris wheel reportedly toppled or suffered a critical malfunction. Local authorities indicated that rides at the old Arseniev Park had been closed for some time due to prior safety concerns, and plans were announced to remove the wheel as part of a broader safety upgrade. The incident underscored ongoing debates about maintenance regimes, inspections, and the timely replacement of aging amusement equipment in urban parks.
Additionally, a separate event in Sochi raised concerns when children were nearly injured on a carousel ride in Khostinsky Park. It was reported that during the launch of a ride called Winged Swing, an iron ladder associated with the main support structure nearly struck the children. The operator, who was near the stairs during the mishap, witnessed the equipment failure and this incident again brought attention to the importance of on-site safety protocols, operator training, and rapid emergency response measures to prevent injuries in crowded recreational spaces.