Horrifying video footage that is quickly going viral on social media platforms depicts a massive amusement park ride breaking in the middle of the air in western Saudi Arabia with riders falling to the ground in a shocking and chaotic scenario.
The accident occurred at the Green Mountain Resort in Taif, a city in Saudi Arabia that is about 2.5 hours east of Jeddah. The concerned ride is the 360 Big Pendulum, which was observed in the viral video swinging at full force before suddenly breaking and sending its passenger compartment crashing to the floor.
ABC News reported that over 20 individuals were injured in the incident, and the amusement park was closed immediately. Though the exact number of hospitalizations is not reported by authorities, at least three victims are in critical condition, as stated by USA Today. An investigation has been initiated by local authorities to establish whether mechanical failure, maintenance, or the operator was at fault.
Although the video is admittedly shocking, analysts note that these types of ride malfunctions are incredibly uncommon. In the United States, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) estimates the chance of being seriously injured on a fixed-site amusement park ride at just 1 in 15.5 million rides taken.
Nevertheless, accidents do occur around the world. In 2023, a roller coaster derailment at the oldest amusement park in Sweden resulted in the death of a woman in her 30s and the serious injury of two others. Other documented, but rare, ride incidents have included explosions, electrical problems, fires, and even heart attacks during intense rides.
Jim Seay, president of attractions manufacturer Premier Rides, told USA Today last year that extreme-severity incidencts are very rare in theindustry and that such incidents get so much media exposure because they are so rare.
The Green Mountain Resort is currently closed pending a complete safety review by the Saudi authorities. In the meantime, the terrifying Taif disaster is a cautionary tale about how ride maintenance, inspection, and safety procedures should remain at the forefront of operations, even in an industry where the risk of a tragedy is ridiculously low.
