World Scene: Germany

Bill for unwanted 'thrill'

Fourteen people rescued by the fire brigade after being left dangling upside down from a fairground ride in Germany for nearly an hour have been slapped with a hefty bill, a spokesman said yesterday.

The thrill-seekers got more than they bargained for when the "Star Gate" ride, a large spinning wheel with rotating gondolas, in Berlin came to a halt 15 meters above the ground. Finally saved after 44 minutes, each person must now pay 281.43 euros ($420) after their ordeal. Thorsten W., 39, who was on the ride with his wife and child, told the Bild daily: "We have been punished enough. Our son never wants to go on a carousel again. And now we have to pay almost 850 euros? Never!"