A pendulum ride has crashed to the ground injuring at least 23 people, according to local media
Three people are in critical condition after a pendulum-style giant swing ride in a fun park in Saudi Arabia broke in half while loaded with thrill seekers.
The accident at Green Mountain Park at the popular resort in Al-Hada, Taif, injured at least 23 people, according to Mojaz News.
Viral video footage circulating since Thursday shows the “360° ride” swinging at full speed before the main support column suddenly fractures. The passenger platform, filled with riders, plummets to the ground, sparking panic.
“الجبل الاخضر”
كنت انتظر دوري وربي كتب لي عمر حمدلله pic.twitter.com/FdXKmAWPWA
— أحمد الحربي (@modyyy1222) July 30, 2025
Eyewitnesses, cited by the Khaleej Times, said the ride’s support pole recoiled violently, striking some passengers. Others were injured after falling from their seats during the collapse.
On Thursday, the Taif Governorate announced an official investigation into the cause of the failure and said the park’s operations have been suspended.
Amusement ride accidents continue to raise safety concerns worldwide. In 2023, a pendulum ride in Ecuador failed mid-air, injuring 10 people. In April 2025, a woman died after falling from a roller coaster in Delhi, India.