A 27-year-old woman was critically injured after being thrown from a ride at a Christmas fair in Ancona's Piazza Pertini.

The incident occurred when safety straps on the spherical ride, designed like a rotating cage, reportedly broke.

The woman, of foreign origin, was ejected as the ride began moving and was rushed to Torrette hospital in critical condition.

Local police and firefighters have sealed off the ride and launched an investigation into the equipment's failure.

Ancona's mayor, Daniele Silvetti, expressed shock and vowed to determine responsibility for the accident.

The ride remains under seizure as authorities continue their inquiries.