Two people have been arrested following a fairground ride accident in Birmingham city centre.
The 55-year-old and 21-year-old men were arrested at the scene on Thursday evening.
They were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and obstructing police officers.
The seat array of a Star Flyer-type swinging ride, part of Birmingham’s Christmas fair, fell to the ground on Thursday.
Two women were hospitalised in the accident, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have begun an investigation.
11 other people were also assessed by ambulance staff, but were cleared to leave the area.
‘Fully co-operating’
Arrests immediately following ride accidents are rare.
The circumstances which led to the men’s arrests are not clear, but the BBC reported that they remained in custody as of 14:00 on Friday.
Emergency services were called to the scene at circa 19:30 on Thursday night.
Louise Brown, who was on the ride at the time of the accident, spoke to the BBC.
“It’s hard to process how one minute you can be innocently having fun and screaming in a scared way to then screaming because you could’ve potentially lost your life,” she said.
The ride is operated by Danter Attractions, who said they were “fully co-operating” with authorities.
A Danter spokesperson told the BBC: “Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected.
“At this time we are unable to provide any additional comment.”
‘Dropped to the ground’
Eyewitness Haroon Jamal told the Mirror that he heard a “loud smash” accompanied by “chains rattling”.
“The entire ride lost control and dropped to the ground,” they said.
“Some people were stuck on the side and others were stuck on top of each other.
“We all ran to the ride straight away and helped people break free. Others were kept in their positions due to possible head and neck injuries.
“One individual was bleeding from a huge cut to his face. When the people got off the ride, they immediately went to the floor and started crying.”
The Mirror reported that Dr Jamal saw the ride’s chairs “collide with a control desk”.
Continued police presence
West Midlands Police continue to guard the Centenary Square area of Birmingham.
“We remain in Centenary Square in Birmingham this afternoon assisting the Health & Safety Executive after a number of people were injured in an incident involving a fairground ride,” a statement read on Friday afternoon.
“A cordon is in place and is likely to remain in place throughout the day.
“Two men aged, 55 and 21, were arrested at the scene last night on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and obstructing officers and remain in our custody today.”
The police are appealing to anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage which may assist their investigation.
Log 4290 of 12 December should be quoted for those contacting the force.