Cranger Kirmes: What Really Lies Behind the Ride Accident – The Secret Safety Precautions
On the evening of August 10, 2025, the last day of the Cranger Kirmes in Herne, a concerning accident occurred: parts of the ride "Predator" came loose during operation. A visitor was injured and had to be taken by rescue forces for further treatment. Fortunately, the police quickly gave the all-clear: there was no life-threatening danger for the injured person. Another person only suffered a shock. The affected area around the ride was immediately cordoned off, but the rest of the fair was able to continue operating normally. This demonstrated the quick and coordinated response of those responsible to ensure the safety of other visitors and avoid panic.
Safety as Top Priority: A Look Behind the Scenes of Fairs
An accident like this shocks and prompts many to think about the safety of rides. However, it is important to understand that fairs and carnivals in Germany are among the most strictly regulated leisure attractions worldwide. Behind every roller coaster loop and carousel swing is a sophisticated system of safety measures:
- Regelmäßige und umfassende Prüfungen: Bevor ein Fahrgeschäft überhaupt in Betrieb gehen darf und dann jährlich aufs Neue, wird es vom TÜV oder vergleichbaren Sachverständigenorganisationen auf Herz und Nieren geprüft. Dabei werden nicht nur die mechanischen Komponenten, sondern auch die Elektrik, Hydraulik und die statische Sicherheit genauestens unter die Lupe genommen.
- Tägliche Kontrollen: Schausteller und Betreiber sind verpflichtet, ihre Fahrgeschäfte täglich vor Betriebsbeginn gründlich zu überprüfen. Dies umfasst Sichtkontrollen, Funktionsprüfungen und die Überprüfung aller Sicherheitseinrichtungen.
- Geschultes Personal: Das Personal, das die Fahrgeschäfte bedient und wartet, muss speziell geschult und zertifiziert sein. Sie sind für die korrekte Bedienung, die Einhaltung der Sicherheitsvorschriften und das schnelle Handeln im Notfall verantwortlich.
- Notfallpläne: Für den Ernstfall existieren detaillierte Notfallpläne, die das Vorgehen bei technischen Defekten, Bränden oder anderen unvorhergesehenen Ereignissen regeln. Rettungsdienste, Polizei und Feuerwehr sind in diese Pläne eingebunden und regelmäßig auf solche Szenarien vorbereitet.
Given the millions of rides that take place annually at German fairs, serious accidents are extremely rare. Every incident is thoroughly investigated to learn from it and continuously improve safety standards.
Cranger Kirmes: A Festival of Superlatives Despite Isolated Incidents
Despite the isolated incident, the Cranger Kirmes 2025 was able to draw an impressive balance. Over four million visitors flocked to the fair in Herne since the end of July. These numbers underscore the immense popularity and significance of the Cranger Kirmes as a cultural and economic highlight of the region. It is a place of meeting, laughter, and shared celebration. A single accident, as regrettable as it is, does not diminish the fact that such large events generally offer safe and well-organized experiences. The Cranger Kirmes exemplifies the joy and thrill that fairs in Germany exert on millions of people year after year.
The accident at the Cranger Kirmes is an unfortunate event that once again underscores the necessity of vigilance and strict safety measures. At the same time, it shows that the established emergency mechanisms work and that the fair remains a safe pleasure despite everything. The overwhelming number of visitors confirms that the public's trust in these traditional festivals remains unbroken – and rightly so.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.