Gondola accident at the Cranger fair: injured person in hospital!

Gondola accident at the Cranger fair: injured person in hospital!

The Cranger Kirmes in Herne, the largest folk festival in North Rhine-Westphalia, is overshadowed by an unfortunate incident. Last weekend, a visitor was hit by a detached gondola cover from the “Predator” ride. The man suffered minor injuries to his temple and was immediately taken to hospital. Eyewitnesses present reported shock and hecticness - one spectator even began to hyperventilate. Fortunately, she was also treated quickly by emergency services. The ride was immediately sealed off and must pass a TÜV inspection before it can be put back into operation, as radiowaf.de reports.

Despite this incident, the Cranger Kirmes remains a popular destination for around four million visitors every year. In 2024, the event even had 4.2 million guests. Overall, the mood among the visitors was divided. Some enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, while others complained about high prices and disruption. However, the chairman of the Herner Showmen's Association, Timo Lichte, saw the fair as a success. According to him, the showmen counted more guests on the rides than in previous years, as ruhr24.de reports.

Challenges for the organizers

Although the fair attracts many visitors, the challenges for the organizers cannot be overlooked. There have been several recent safety issues, including fights and assaults. The Bochum police alone had to record over 150 operations. There was also an incident with a knife on Saturday after the fair where a 47-year-old man was injured, but not life-threatening. Such incidents cast a shadow over the festive mood and spark discussions about safety, as noted by the Herne fire department, which criticized the fact that the inhibition threshold towards emergency services had fallen.

The security situation is also influenced by external factors. Following recent attacks in cities such as Magdeburg and Munich, concerns about security requirements have increased. As a result of these incidents, other cities, such as Lage in North Rhine-Westphalia, have already canceled their events for financial and safety reasons. These developments show how important it is for municipalities to find a balance between tradition and security, which, according to kommunal.de, represents a major challenge.

Looking ahead

Despite all the difficulties, the anticipation for the next Cranger fair, which is scheduled to take place from July 31st to August 10th, 2025, remains unbroken. Organizers and local retailers are confident and are working to improve both safety and the experience for visitors. Suggestions for optimizing security measures have already been discussed: from clear escape routes to the involvement of trained security to ensure a carefree and safe fair in the future.