MARDI GRAS DISASTER

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28784, 3 January 1959, Page 11

MARDI GRAS DISASTER

Ferris Wheel Collapses

(Rec. 7 p.m.) SYDNEY January 2. A woman was killed and more than 40 other persons injured when a giant terris wheel collapsed Into a crowded carnival ground at Coogee Beach New Year mardi gras last night. The woman, Mrs Catherine Mar-' garet Waller, aged 45, of Coogee, Sydney, was crushed by the falling wheel and died early today in St. Vincent's hospital. As the wheel toppled into the crowd more than 100 persons lining the barrier tried to 'outdistance the falling metal struts and seats but the dense throng behind hindered their escape. The wheel fell on about 20 persons on the ground including the dead woman, Mrs Waller, and her nine-year-old son Robert. Ten more riding on the wheel were caught in the wreckage and a youth and his girl friend in the Wheel's top chair were thrown clear and escaped after a 00ft fall with slight shock: Mrs Waller leaves a. husband and three sons, the youngest of whom was with her in the accident and suffered injuries. Her other two sons ore aged 17. and 13. She had been at the carnival about an hour and was walking past the ferris wheel when the collapse occurred. As soon as it fell with a frightening roar more than 3000 people at the mardi gras were plunged into darkness. Ah elect! ■ician said later that he switched, off all the lights because it was feared that the wreckage had fouled electric wires. Screams from the injured, lying in the twisted meta] wreckage of the wheel, stilled the noise of the carnival activities and the laughter of happy holiday makers. Police patrolling at the carnival organised immediate rescue operstions. Of 22 persons admitted to hospital after the accident, seven are still receiving treatment. Doctors at Eastern Suburbs hospital are trying to save the life of Francis Lummis, aged 60. of Coogee, who was critically injured to the crash. . . Lummis. who suffered a fractured skull and severe abrasions, underwent an emergency operation shortly after midnight. Hie condition is “very grave.” An inspection by C. 1.8. experts and police from Randwick confirmed that the wheel’s axle snapped. Police today set up barricades to keep back hundreds of people whe braved steady rain to pry over the crumpled Wheel. The owner of the ferris wheel, Mr Leslie Lennon, who has been on the Australian carnival circuit for 40 years, said the wheel had been bought new from a Sydney firm for £2500 19 months ego. The makers had inspected the machine and passed it as safe.