Process for fatal fun fair: operator charged with negligent killing

Process for fatal fun fair: operator charged with negligent killing

On May 22, 2025, a criminal trial will be opened in Bielefeld, which would go back to a tragic incident at the Pollhans Volksfest in October 2023. In this accident, a 39-year-old funfair helper fell fatly from a ride. The public prosecutor is now charging against the operator of the driving business and against an employee for negligent killing. The court date is scheduled for the coming Monday, May 26th, at the Bielefeld District Court, such as Westfalen-leaf reported.

The exact circumstances of the accident are the subject of detailed investigations. The public prosecutor had already completed the investigation and meticulously examined the allegations, which particularly refer to human failure and possibly also technical defects. The incident occurred during the operation of the driving business, whereby the exact processes are now to be clarified in front of a court.

another tragic accident

A similar tragic incident recently occurred at the Sterkrader Corpus Christi fair in Oberhausen. A 17-year-old son of the ride operator died when he wanted to collect chips from customers during a ride on the "Break Dance" ride. The ride started, causing the young man thrown by the turntable and suffering serious injuries. Despite immediate resuscitation, everyone failed, and the rescue helicopter was no longer necessary. The world summarizes the horrendous details of this incident.

The investigation in this case is still at the beginning. Several accused are checked and possible technical errors are in the room. Due to their high stresses, the rides are often the focus of security tests, and TÜV in particular regularly carries out checks. The Sterkrad Corpus Christi fair, which began on June 7 and is considered the largest folk festival in Oberhausen, ended prematurely after the tragic incident on Sunday evening.

security at folk festivals

The safety of rides at folk festivals is a central concern. The TÜV association emphasizes that there are strict requirements for rides in Germany. Regular security checks by qualified specialists are required by law. These include not only the technical review of rides, but also comprehensive security management that is supposed to avoid accidents. However, accidents cannot be completely excluded even after these extensive controls. The TÜV association therefore gives important tips to increase driving pleasure:

• clear guidelines for age and height for certain rides.
• children should drive accompanied by an adult.
• people with known diseases should make a realistic self -assessment.
• rides that are considered flying buildings are subject to a legal obligation to test.

The sad incidents throw a shadow on the joy that such folk festivals normally bring. It remains to be hoped that the ongoing investigation will lead to more clarity and possibly improvements in the security culture on fairs.