A pendulum-style giant swing ride broke in half while carrying thrill seekers at an amusement park in Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 23 people, three of them critically.
As reported by local news outlets, the accident occurred at Green Mountain Park, a well-known resort in Al-Hada area in Taif.
Viral video footage that has been circulating since Thursday depicts the “360° ride” operating at full speed before the primary support column unexpectedly breaks. The passenger platform, which was occupied by riders, falls to the ground, causing widespread panic. In a matter of seconds, their happiness transforms into fear as the main structure breaks apart. A sharp cracking noise was audible just prior to the collapse, succeeded by a resounding thud as the circular gondola, which still contained passengers, plummeted to the ground.
Witnesses reported that the support pole of the ride recoiled forcefully, hitting several passengers. Additionally, others sustained injuries after being thrown from their seats during the incident. An object seems to be propelled into the sky, and disorder ensues as bystanders hurry to assist, while others try to escape the area.
On Thursday, the Taif Governorate declared the initiation of an official inquiry into the reasons behind the failure and announced that the park’s operations have been halted.
Accidents involving amusement rides continue to raise safety concerns globally. In 2023, a pendulum ride in Ecuador malfunctioned while in motion, resulting in injuries to 10 individuals. In April 2025, a woman tragically lost her life after falling from a roller coaster in Delhi, India.
