Stuck in the sky above Munich that was meant to be a thrilling highlight of the Oktoberfest turned into a nightmare on Saturday evening. Around 32 people were trapped for nearly an hour at a height of 80 meters when the popular swing carousel “Jules Verne Tower” suddenly broke down due to a technical failure.
The towering ride, which is marketed as the world’s tallest mobile chain carousel, offers breathtaking views over Munich, the Theresienwiese grounds and even the Alps. But for those onboard, the spectacular panorama quickly gave way to fear when the ride ground to a halt.
Technical failure leaves guests suspended
According to the operator, a power supply failure triggered the shutdown. At the time, all 16 double gondolas were fully occupied. Witnesses reported that technicians eventually managed to lower the ride manually using a brake mechanism, bringing passengers safely back to the ground after a tense wait.
While no physical injuries were reported, the psychological strain of being suspended so high above the Wiesn was considerable for many of those involved.
Ride resumes after repair
After replacing the faulty power unit, the Jules Verne Tower was returned to normal operation later that evening. The incident came at a particularly chaotic moment: Oktoberfest had been temporarily closed due to overcrowding, with reports of panic in some areas of the festival grounds.
Despite the fright, the ride continues to operate, and festival organizers have emphasized that safety remained guaranteed throughout the incident.
