3 girls fall from Ferris wheel at East Tennessee fair

Three young girls, the oldest of whom is 16, fell from a Ferris wheel at an East Tennessee fair on Monday.

Authorities say happened at the Greene County Fair when a basket flipped over, causing the children to fall 35 to 40 feet, according to WATE.

All three were rushed to Johnson City Medical Center, two by helicopter and one by ambulance. Around 9 p.m. Central, police said two of the three were alert and talking.

Witness Gregory Lynthacum told WJHL “it was like watching water pouring from a glass. They bounced off the metal bridging of the ride and eventually hit the ground.”

It’s unclear how serious the girls’ injuries are at this time. Their identities have not been released.

The Greene County Fair posted a message on Facebook, sending prayers to the families of the victims.

The exact cause of the accident wasn’t immediately known.

All fair rides were shut down until a third-party inspector can come to Greeneville. Non-mechanical rides and attractions will remain operational.

Authorities will discuss the incident further at a press conference this morning.

-wkrn