Ferris Wheel Accident Tears Woman’s Scalp

New Delhi, September 13, 2026 A festive outing in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district turned horrific on Friday when a 25-year-old woman suffered a devastating injury after her hair became trapped in the rotating bearing of a giant wheel. The accident occurred at a traditional fair, raising serious concerns over the safety measures followed while operating amusement rides at crowded public events. The woman, identified as Bali Maroti Talikote of Phulsawangi, had visited the one-day fair organised in Mahagaon taluka for the ‘Tanha Pola’ festival. The annual celebration attracts large numbers of women and children from nearby villages, many of whom visit the fair as well as the Puneshwar Mahadev temple to seek blessings. Talikote was on the giant wheel when her hair became caught in a rotating bearing positioned behind her seat. As the ride continued moving at high speed, her hair was pulled violently, resulting in a significant portion of her scalp being torn away. Her cries of pain alerted other visitors, who were left horrified after seeing her bleeding heavily. Police personnel stationed at the fair quickly intervened after the incident triggered panic among the crowd. Assistant Police Inspector Sunil Ambhure and Police Constable Suhas Kayte, with assistance from local residents, managed to stop the rapidly spinning ride. Talikote was then removed from the wheel and taken to a hospital for treatment. The incident has brought the safety of amusement rides at local fairs under scrutiny. The severe nature of the injury has highlighted the importance of proper inspection, safe operation and adequate precautions to prevent such accidents at public gatherings.