Shocking footage emerged from an amusement park in eastern Saudi Arabia when a ride full of people snapped into two. (Image: X)
A popular amusement park ride malfunctioned at Green Mountain Park near Taif, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, leaving at least 23 people injured. The incident took place in the Hada area, where dozens of visitors had gathered for a day of leisure, according to a report by Khaleej Times. The ride, known as 360 Degrees, was in full swing when its central pole suddenly snapped, sending the ride crashing down with several riders still onboard, as per the report.
In the video of the incident that has gone viral on social media, the central pole anchoring the thrill ride can be seen snapping in two parts, as group of people swing back and forth. There is a crackling sound, snapping the ride’s arm in half, and it collapses with a massive thump, with riders screaming.
Three critically injured
Two or three people were thrown in opposite directions when the central pole collapsed, while others sustained injuries after the ride directly fell onto the ground while they remained seated. Three people were critically injured in the incident, per the Khaleej Times report.
Quoting the eyewitnesses, the report said that the ride’s pole recoiled at high speed, striking some individuals standing on the opposite side. Some people, who were still seated on the ride when it fell, were also hurt.
Emergency services were immediately pressed into a rescue operation and an investigation has been launched to find out the reason for the collapse.