Two girls, both under 13, were injured when they were thrown from a Ferris wheel at the Harvest Festival on False River in New Roads, Louisiana, shortly before noon on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Local authorities said the gondola the children were riding in tilted suddenly, ejecting them from the carriage. A third child who shared the car was later rescued by emergency crews using ladders and harnesses, and the attraction was taken out of service while first aid was rendered.
Witness accounts described a chaotic moment as the wheel stopped and onlookers realized riders were in distress. One nearby attendee reported hearing a loud boom and seeing the bucket tilt, claiming it appeared to have caught on wires before the girls fell, an assertion that investigators have not yet verified. Officials urged the public to avoid speculation until a formal cause is identified.
Injuries And Emergency Response
Both victims were hospitalized; one was airlifted to a Baton Rouge facility due to the severity of injuries, while the other was transported by ground ambulance. Local outlets reported the fall was from about 20 feet, with one girl suffering a possible brain bleed and the other sustaining broken bones. The children spent the night in intensive care, and physicians continued neurological and orthopedic evaluations as of Sunday, November 2.
Authorities cordoned off the midway after the incident, keeping festivalgoers at a distance while medics stabilized the children and firefighters reached the stalled gondola to assist the third occupant. As of the latest updates, officials had not released the children’s names or detailed prognoses.
Investigation And Ride Safety Measures
The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal opened an investigation into the apparent malfunction, focusing on the ride’s mechanical systems, operating procedures, and compliance with state requirements. In the immediate aftermath, festival rides were suspended for inspection, and at minimum the affected Ferris wheel remained closed pending safety checks. Separate reports from news outlets noted either a broader pause of attractions or a targeted shutdown of the wheel while inspections proceeded.
Louisiana law places amusement rides under a statewide safety regime overseen by the Fire Marshal. State rules require annual third-party inspections in line with ASTM F24 standards and a set-up inspection at each event before operation; operators must also keep maintenance and training records available for review. Inspectors evaluate the ride’s foundation and blocking, as well as mechanical and electrical condition and its visual operation prior to opening. These requirements are designed to ensure proper assembly and safe operation for temporary, traveling attractions common at fairs and festivals.
In addition, state rules allow the Fire Marshal or a designee to inspect rides during the event at least once, while registration provisions require that operators submit documentation, including a recent certificate of inspection, when filing with the office. Such provisions aim to create multiple layers of oversight as equipment moves between locations.
As part of the probe, investigators typically review maintenance logs, operator training, and pre-event inspection reports, and may conduct additional testing to identify potential mechanical or human-factor causes. Authorities have not announced whether weather, rider behavior, or equipment fatigue played any role. Findings from the inspection will guide any enforcement actions or safety recommendations for future events.
Officials’ Updates And Ages Reported
Local officials said both children were younger than 13, with some reports identifying them as around 11 years old. Sheriff Rene’ Thibodeaux said the priority for his office was the children’s well-being and public safety while the Fire Marshal handled the technical investigation. Authorities have asked anyone with videos or first-hand information to contact investigators to assist in reconstructing the sequence of events.
Festival Context And Community Reaction
The annual Harvest Festival is a long-running community event that draws families from around Baton Rouge to New Roads for live music, vendors, and a traveling midway set along False River. This year’s festival was scheduled for October 31–November 2, 2025, with carnival hours spanning the weekend. Organizers promote the event as a celebration of agriculture and local heritage that typically features a slate of rides, games, and food booths.
Saturday’s incident prompted a rapid and highly visible emergency response. Law enforcement helped clear the ride perimeter while firefighters and EMS personnel stabilized the scene. Community members posted messages of support on social media and in comments to local outlets, expressing concern for the children and gratitude for the first responders. As of the latest reports, the girls remained hospitalized, and the Fire Marshal’s investigation was ongoing.