Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by CNN News 18, NDTV, the Hindustan Times, and the Khaleej Times. Details may be updated as official investigations progress.
23 Injured After Theme Park Ride Breaks in Half at Green Mountain Park, Saudi Arabia
Theme parks are meant to be places of joy, family outings, and thrilling experiences. But in Taif, Saudi Arabia, what began as a day of fun turned into a serious safety incident. On Thursday, a ride at Green Mountain Park malfunctioned and collapsed, leaving 23 people injured. Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine what caused the accident and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
What Happened at Green Mountain Park?
The incident took place on a popular attraction called the 360 Degrees, a ride designed to flip passengers from side to side while strapped into chairs attached to a large revolving platform. Normally, the ride swings riders high into the air, offering a dizzying but thrilling experience.
Videos shared online captured the terrifying moment when the ride suddenly malfunctioned. As the central pole gained momentum during an upward swing, it snapped in half. In an instant, the platform holding riders crashed to the ground. Witnesses could be heard screaming as the impact sent shockwaves through the amusement park.
The Extent of the Injuries
According to reports from CNN News 18, NDTV, and the Khaleej Times, 23 people were injured during the incident. Three victims are currently listed in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, noting that while riders were secured in their seats, many still sustained serious injuries due to the sudden impact. Some also reported that the broken central pole recoiled violently, striking bystanders standing nearby.
Eyewitness Accounts
Visitors at the park spoke of confusion and fear in the aftermath of the collapse. Several witnesses explained how the ride appeared to operate normally at first, with no immediate signs of a problem. The sudden break caught both operators and riders completely off guard.
“It was shocking,” one bystander told local media. “One moment, the ride was flipping as usual, and then everything came crashing down. People were screaming and rushing to help.”
Emergency Response
Emergency services arrived at the scene quickly to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Medical teams worked to stabilize those in critical condition, while others were treated for fractures, bruises, and shock.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that the ride will remain closed while a full safety inspection and investigation are conducted.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the accident has not yet been officially determined. Investigators are focusing on several potential issues, including:
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Mechanical failure of the central support pole.
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Maintenance and safety checks conducted prior to the ride’s operation.
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Operational oversight, including whether the ride was overloaded or improperly secured.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that public safety is their top priority. They have pledged to hold those responsible accountable and ensure stricter enforcement of amusement park safety standards nationwide.
Theme Park Safety Concerns
This incident highlights broader concerns about amusement park safety worldwide. Rides are carefully engineered and tested, but accidents can still occur if maintenance lapses, equipment ages, or oversight fails.
Experts note that while millions of theme park rides operate safely every year, mechanical breakdowns and operator errors are risks that can never be fully eliminated. Regular inspections, rigorous training, and transparent safety standards are crucial to minimizing those risks.
How Rare Are Ride Accidents?
Statistical data shows that serious ride accidents are relatively rare compared to the number of people who visit amusement parks annually. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the chance of being seriously injured on a fixed-site amusement ride in the United States is about 1 in 15.5 million rides taken.
However, when accidents do occur, they often draw widespread attention due to the shocking nature of such events, as seen with the Green Mountain Park incident.
Looking Ahead
For now, the focus remains on the victims’ recovery and ensuring the ride is thoroughly investigated before reopening. Families of those injured are being supported by local authorities, and additional safety reviews may be implemented across other parks in the region.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing strict safety measures, not just in Saudi Arabia, but in amusement parks worldwide.
Final Thoughts
What happened at Green Mountain Park in Taif was a frightening reminder that even in places designed for entertainment, accidents can happen. As investigators work to uncover the exact cause, the priority is the recovery of the 23 injured victims and preventing such incidents in the future.
Public confidence in amusement park safety depends on accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in safety standards. The incident will likely shape how theme parks in Saudi Arabia—and beyond—approach maintenance and safety moving forward.
Sources:
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CNN News 18 – 23 Injured After Ride Collapse in Saudi Arabia
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NDTV – Theme Park Ride Malfunction in Taif Injures Dozens
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Khaleej Times – Eyewitness Accounts of Green Mountain Park Accident
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Hindustan Times – Amusement Park Ride Accident Leaves 23 Injured
