Live From Rio 2016: Cable Camera Falls, Injures Seven; Investigation Ongoing

An aerial cable camera system flying over the Barra Olympic Park fell to the ground near the entrance to Arena Carioca 2, causing minor injuries to seven spectators. According to a statement by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the pulling rope for the camera came down at 1:30, and a cherry picker was on its way to recover the pulling rope and clear the area.

When support cables broke simultaneously, an aerial camera capturing beauty shots above Barra Olympic Park fell to the ground.

At that time, according to the statement, the camera was 10 meters above the concourse and was supported by the two independent guide ropes, each of which able to support the full load of the camera. But, before the cherry picker could arrive both ropes simultaneously broke, and the camera fell approximately 20 meters onto the lower concourse near the arena. According to local medical authorities, seven minor injuries have received medical attention.

Conditions at the park were gusty and windy as hot weather gave way to a cooler front, with some rain around the time of the incident.

OBS says a full investigation has been launched.