A mechanical failure at a popular amusement park in Saudi Arabia’s mountain city of Taif led to a horrifying accident that injured 23 people, including several critically. The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening at Green Mountain Park, located in the Al Hada area, a popular resort destination in western Saudi Arabia.
Ride Snaps Mid-Air in Terrifying Collapse
The incident occurred on a ride known as 360 Degrees, a large pendulum-style attraction that swings riders from side to side on a central rotating pole. The ride was in full operation and packed with visitors when, without warning, the central pole split into two parts mid-air. A cracking sound was heard moments before the collapse, followed by a loud thud as the circular gondola, still holding passengers, crashed to the ground.Video footage shared widely on social media shows the ride swinging with multiple people, mostly young men and women, screaming in excitement. Within seconds, their joy turns to panic as the central structure snaps apart. One object appears to be flung into the air, and chaos erupts as onlookers rush to help, while some people attempt to flee the scene.According to eyewitnesses cited by Khaleej Times, the pole recoiled at high speed before collapsing. It also reportedly struck individuals standing on the opposite side of the ride, adding to the number of injuries. Several people were thrown from the seats during the malfunction, while others suffered injuries from the force of impact as the ride hit the ground.
Emergency Response and Injury Report
Emergency services, including civil defense, police units, and medical teams, were dispatched immediately to the park. While some of the injured were treated at the scene, most were taken to nearby hospitals. Officials later confirmed that three of the 23 victims sustained critical injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.Videos and photos from the scene show park visitors in distress, with some injured individuals lying on the ground. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and traumatic, as the area around the mangled ride was quickly cordoned off by authorities.In response to the accident, Prince Saud bin Nahar, Governor of Taif, ordered the immediate shutdown of the recreational facility. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the root cause of the malfunction. A statement from the Taif Governorate, also reported by Saudi Gazette, confirmed that the probe aims to ensure accountability and assess whether safety protocols were adequately followed.
