An amusement park ride carrying dozens of revellers has collapsed in mid-air, smashing into two pieces and injuring 23.
The ride, called ‘360 Degrees’, hit its own pillar – sparking scenes of panic among the visitors at the Green Mountain Resort in the Saudi Arabian city of Taif today.
Horror in Mid-Air: At Least 23 Injured as Amusement Park Ride Snaps in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – A day of excitement turned into a scene of terror at a popular amusement park in Saudi Arabia when a high-thrills ride catastrophically failed, snapping in mid-air and injuring at least 23 people, according to preliminary reports from emergency officials.
The horrific incident occurred during peak hours on Friday evening, a time when families and thrill-seekers typically flock to entertainment venues. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and panic as a large, articulated arm of a spinning pendulum-style ride suddenly broke apart. The section carrying multiple riders plummeted towards the ground, while the rest of the structure came to a screeching, violent halt.
“The screams changed in a second,” said one witness who was waiting in line for a nearby attraction. “First, it was the happy screams of people on the ride, and then it was pure terror. We heard a loud crack, like a metallic thunderclap, and saw a part of the ride just… fall.”
Emergency services, including crews from the Saudi Civil Defense and the Red Crescent Authority, were on the scene within minutes. Paramedics established a triage area to treat the injured amidst the debris. Victims were reported to have suffered a range of injuries, from fractures and deep lacerations to more critical head and spinal trauma. They were subsequently transported to several nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet released the ages or nationalities of those injured, but children are believed to be among the victims.
In the immediate aftermath, park officials ordered a full evacuation and shut down the facility indefinitely. In a statement released late Friday night, the park’s management expressed their “deepest regret and sorrow” over the incident.
“The safety of our guests is our absolute highest priority, and we are devastated by this tragic event,” the statement read. “We are working closely and transparently with all relevant authorities to determine the cause of this catastrophic failure. The park will remain closed until a full investigation is complete.”
This incident raises serious questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding entertainment and tourism sector. As part of its Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom has invested billions in developing new attractions, from theme parks to concert venues, to diversify its economy and attract international visitors.
Government authorities have announced a full-scale, immediate investigation into the accident. The probe will likely focus on the ride’s maintenance records, inspection history, and potential structural or mechanical faults. As the injured receive medical care and families await news, the focus now shifts to how such a terrifying incident could occur and what steps will be taken to ensure it never happens again.
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