Almería fairground ride rescue saves seven people

Seven people were rescued during the early hours of Saturday after being trapped on a pendulum amusement ride known as ‘Gigant’ or ‘El Martillo’ at the Feria de Almería in Spain.

The incident occurred near midnight when the ride, which can reach heights of 75 meters, suffered a mechanical failure. Witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds and observing fragments falling from the mechanism before the device came to a sudden halt.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Almería and Poniente, utilized large ladder vehicles to reach the passengers. The rescue operation was a progressive process, with the first person being lowered around 01:30 and the final evacuation completed by 03:00.

No personal injuries were reported following the four-hour ordeal. The emergency response required the cancellation of a musical performance at the fairground's concert venue to facilitate the rescue efforts.