23 Injured After Theme Park Ride Breaks in Half and Crashes to the Ground

At least 23 people were injured — three critically — after a thrill ride at a Saudi Arabian amusement park broke apart midair and crashed to the ground, according to multiple reports.

The incident occurred at Green Mountain Park in the city of Taif on Thursday, July 31. Disturbing footage of the collapse quickly circulated on social media, showing the ride — called “360 Degrees” — malfunctioning during operation.

In the video, the ride can be seen flipping riders into the air along a rotating platform attached to a tall central pole. As the ride gained momentum, the structure suddenly snapped in half, sending the platform and its passengers hurtling to the ground. The impact caused the riders to jolt violently in their seats as horrified onlookers screamed.

According to CNN News18 and NDTV, 23 people were injured in the collapse, with three individuals listed in critical condition. Some victims were treated at the scene before being rushed to local hospitals, which declared a “code yellow” emergency — indicating a mass casualty situation.

Eyewitnesses told the Khaleej Times that even though riders were secured in their seats, several were visibly injured during the fall. Some bystanders were also reportedly struck by parts of the structure, including the recoiling central pole.

Law enforcement and emergency services responded swiftly to the park. Authorities have since launched an investigation into what caused the ride to fail so catastrophically.

“This is a serious incident, and we are working to determine exactly what went wrong,” a local official told NDTV. Investigators are now examining whether mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or operator error played a role in the collapse.

Green Mountain Park has not yet released a public statement.

This is one of several recent amusement park-related tragedies worldwide. In April, a 24-year-old woman named Priyanka died in Delhi, India, after a roller coaster malfunction caused her to fall. Despite emergency care, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being hospitalized, according to India Today.

Safety at amusement parks has increasingly come under scrutiny as videos of terrifying accidents spread online. Experts continue to urge both park operators and regulators to prioritize rigorous maintenance and inspections.

The investigation into the Taif incident remains ongoing.