Ghost train ride catches fire at centuries-old German carnival

Five people were injured on Sunday when a ghost train caught fire at a bustling carnival in a town in north-eastern Germany, police said.

Four employees suffered smoke inhalation and one person was in shock after the ride went on fire at the Gallimarkt, a centuries-old folk festival in the town of Leer.

Police could not yet name the cause of the fire or the amount damage that was caused, but said the flames were quickly extinguished and that investigations were under way.

Town officials had earlier said they were expecting around half a million visitors at the carnival, which was well attended due to sunny weather on Sunday.

The Gallimarkt, once a cattle market, dates back to 1508, and a cattle market is still part of today's fair, which pulls in visitors with 19 large fairground rides and around 250 market stalls around the town centre.