Two teenage girls fell from the top of a Ferris wheel after its safety lock failed at a town fiesta in South Cotabato, the Philippines on September 7 evening.

One of the victims said that the door of their gondola opened as they went higher. They then slipped from side when the carriage began rocking back and forth.

Bai Ilaisa Yashfa was riding the fairground attraction with her friend when the accident happened.

She said: "The metal wire that was used to lock the door of the gondola was broken. Our gondola started swinging after a few metal parts started to fall apart."

The two victims were taken to the hospital and sustained no serious injuries.

The operator of the carnival refused to give a statement.

The carnival was organized as part of the F'lomlok Festival in commemoration of the early inhabitants of the place.

Council officials are now investigating the apparently safety lapse. A spokesman for the Polomolok Municial Authority told local media that the operators of fairgound rides should ensure they are safe before people are allowed to use them.

They added: ''The local government has reminded the operators to make the carnival more safe and efficient.''

ENDS