Thrilling Ride Takes a Terrifying Turn in Saudi Arabia Amusement Park, Leaving 23 Injured
In a chilling incident that turned an exhilarating ride into a harrowing nightmare, 23 thrill-seekers found themselves the unfortunate victims of an amusement park mishap in Saudi Arabia. The “360-degree” ride at Green Mountain Park in Taif snapped in half mid-swing, sending a wave of panic and injury through the park on July 31, 2025.
The terrifying event unfolded as the ride, designed to swing back and forth in a pendulum-style motion, suddenly broke away from its mainframe. The spinning wheel carrying the passengers came crashing to the ground, turning the screams of excitement into cries of terror. Despite being securely strapped in, the sudden and forceful impact left the riders injured, with three reported to be in critical condition.
The accident, caught on video, documents the horrifying moment as the central pole recoiled, contributing to the injuries. Witness accounts echo the video’s chilling narrative, painting a grim picture of the event that has left the park patrons and staff in shock.
Emergency first aid was promptly administered at the scene, followed by immediate transportation of the injured to the hospital. The ride now stands cordoned off, a grim reminder of the incident, as an investigation into the cause of the malfunction is launched.
This incident is not isolated in its nature. Other amusement parks have also faced similar setbacks recently. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, for example, has reported recurring malfunctions with its new “Siren’s Curse” ride, with riders repeatedly left stranded mid-air.
Moreover, in October last year, a horrifying incident at a travelling fairground in Ecuador was captured on video. Two gondola cars detached from a high-altitude ride, resulting in a catastrophic crash that left ten people injured, six of them critically.
As amusement parks worldwide grapple with these safety concerns, the thrill and excitement of rides are increasingly overshadowed by the fear of potential mishaps. Even as investigations continue, the unfortunate incident at Green Mountain Park serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of safety in such environments.