Update on investigation into Birmingham fairground incident

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to investigate an incident involving a fairground ride in Birmingham City Centre.

Twelve people were injured as a result of the incident on the evening of 12 December 2024. Two people were taken to hospital and discharged shortly after with minor injuries.

The ride involved in this incident will remain in situ to preserve the scene while the criminal HSE investigation continues.

HSE Principal inspector Matthew Whitaker said: “We appreciate this incident has affected many people during the festive period. We are thoroughly investigating to establish whether there have been any breaches of health and safety law.

“Once our investigation is complete, a decision will then be made on what further action will be taken.”

West Midlands Police has released two men on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage, which may assist the investigation, has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police quoting log 4290 of 12 December.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.

1. The other rides which are currently inside the cordon are being checked by Birmingham City Council. Once those checks have been done, the cordon will reduce to cover the StarFlyer only which will remain in situ to preserve the scene.

1. More information on the HSE’s Enforcement Policy Statement is available.