• Chaos followed as people on the ground raced to help those injured in the horror incident

Arab News

JEDDAH: An amusement park in the Al-Hada area of Taif has been shut down pending an investigation into the collapse of a ride that left 23 people injured.

The “360 Big Pendulum” ride collapsed while in operation on Wednesday evening.

In a statement posted on the regional government’s X account, Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz ordered the immediate closure of the resort, pending an investigation.

“Several injuries occurred; some were treated at the site, while others were transferred to hospital care,” the statement read. There were no fatalities reported.

According to eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media, the ride, which swings passengers in a large arc, experienced a structural failure in its central column, which split horizontally while in motion.

This caused the passenger-bearing arm of the pendulum to crash into the ground, while riders were strapped to their seats.

Footage shared by park visitors shows chaotic scenes moments after the collapse, with several passengers injured from the initial impact and others struck as components from the ride recoiled at high speed, hitting individuals seated on the opposite side.

Emergency teams described varying injuries, with three people in critical condition.

Authorities responded swiftly, with civil defense, emergency medical services, and security personnel arriving at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while some received first aid on-site.

The incident has prompted public concern over safety regulations at recreational facilities, with calls for more stringent inspections and accountability.

The authorities are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days.