A tragic mother of three children clings to the outside of the car on top of a Ferris wheel, but then loses her grip and falls to her death in front of horrified fairgoers

This is the horrific moment when a mother of three children fell to her death after desperately clinging to the gondola of a Ferris wheel in front of countless horrified fairgoers.

The footage, recorded on August 12 at the Potosina National Fair in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, shows the mother, identified as 39-year-old Irene del Carmen, clinging to the top of the outside of a car.

Horrified onlookers could be heard screaming “No” and “I don't want to look” as she lost her footing and fell to the ground seconds later.

According to some reports, she got stuck while trying to get off and the ride operator didn't notice. According to other reports, the car door wasn't closed properly and only opened shortly before the highest point of the ride.

Police officers were immediately dispatched to the fair.

The footage shows the mother, identified as 39-year-old Irene del Carmen, clinging to the outside of a car.

The tragic footage was taken at the Potosina National Fair in San Luis Potosí, Mexico (picture)

They found the victim with severe injuries from impact with the ground and no signs of life. She is believed to have died instantly.

Forensic investigators went to the fair to collect the body for an autopsy. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether this was due to negligence or a security lapse.

The governor of the state of San Luis Potosí, Ricardo Gallardo Cardona, said: “We deeply regret what happened.”

“And I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the woman involved in the ride accident.

“I have ordered that they receive the necessary support and that the incident be thoroughly investigated by the Attorney General's Office.”

State officials say Irene's husband and children will receive financial, legal and psychological support regardless of the outcome of the investigation.