An amusement park accident in western Saudi Arabia has resulted in injuries to 23 people, following a serious mechanical failure on one of the park’s main attractions.
The incident took place on Wednesday in the Al-Hada area of Taif, a well-known mountain city that attracts visitors throughout the year.
The ride involved, called the “360 Big Pendulum,” is designed to swing riders back and forth in a wide arc.
During normal operation, the ride suddenly broke apart, with the arm supporting the riders snapping mid-air.
The passenger section, still holding seated riders, fell to the ground with force.
Video clips posted online showed the moments leading up to the crash, with the ride functioning normally before the sudden failure.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the accident.
Several injured individuals were treated at the site, while others were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred.
In response, the local government ordered the immediate closure of the amusement park.
Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Taif, directed officials to begin a full investigation into what caused the mechanical issue.
The investigation is expected to cover maintenance records, safety checks, and operator protocols.
The park remains closed as authorities continue their review.
The incident has caused concern among local families and tourists, especially during the summer season when theme parks are busier than usual.
Officials have not yet announced when the park will reopen or released the full findings of the investigation. Updates are expected in the coming days as authorities gather more details.