Tragedy in TAIF: 23 Injured as Amusement Park Ride Snaps Mid-air

August 1, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

A tragic scene unfolded on July 31 at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, when the popular “360 Degrees” ride snapped mid-air during operation. The pendulum-style attraction broke apart while swinging at full speed, sending the passenger section crashing to the ground. The horrifying moment was caught on video and widely shared across social media, showing panicked screams as the structure gave way.

At least 23 people were injured, including three critically, while several others sustained moderate injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, treating victims on-site and rushing the seriously wounded to nearby hospitals. Officials confirmed that all passengers had been secured in their seats, which helped prevent fatalities. Hospitals in Taif activated emergency protocols to deal with the sudden influx.

In the aftermath, Governor Saud bin Nahar ordered the immediate closure of the amusement park and launched a full investigation. Preliminary reports point to structural failure, possibly due to metal fatigue worsened by the region’s intense heat. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of high-intensity amusement rides and has sparked calls for stricter inspections and maintenance enforcement across the country.