37 injured in carnival fire

May 21, 2007
By TBT staff

Chaos broke out at a fun fair in the regional Estonian town of Rakvere on May 18 when a fast-moving carousel-type ride caught fire. Thirty-seven people were injured in the blaze, which engulfed the Tivoli Tuur ride in a matter of minutes. Medical workers treated people for burns and smoke inhalation, among them a boy of eight years and a girl aged seventeen.

Most were taken to hospital, some in a serious condition, but most have since been released from care. The blaze took hold at about 11pm, and was well alight by the time three fire crews reached the fun fair. By the time the fire was extinguished at 12.16am, flames had destroyed five plastic gondolas and the ride's electrical system.

Police are now investigating the blaze. Tivoli Tuur's operator said he believed arson could be a cause.
In a belated reaction to the fire, the Rakvere City Council has canceled the company's permit to operate a ride and its public gathering license.

Plans to hold a fireworks display on Sunday May 20 were also canceled.

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