A day of fun turned into chaos and panic at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, when a pendulum-style amusement park ride snapped mid-swing and came crashing down, leaving 23 people injured.
A Thrilling Ride Turns Terrifying
On Wednesday evening, July 31, 2025, visitors flocked to Green Mountain Park in the Al Hada area of Taif, expecting a fun-filled evening. Among the attractions was the park’s famous “360 Big Pendulum” ride, known for its thrilling 360-degree spins.
But in an instant, excitement turned to horror. As the ride swung high into the air, its central support pole suddenly snapped, causing the rotating gondola to plummet to the ground. Screams filled the air as passengers were thrown into chaos, and debris flew dangerously close to onlookers.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Authorities confirmed that 23 people were injured, including children and young adults, with three victims in critical condition. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, with paramedics providing first aid on-site before transferring the injured to nearby hospitals.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority and local security teams worked quickly to secure the area and prevent further harm. Witnesses described the scene as “shocking and heartbreaking,” with many struggling to comprehend how a family outing could turn so tragic.
Official Reaction and Investigation
Following the incident, Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Taif, ordered the immediate closure of Green Mountain Park pending a full investigation. Officials from the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) are now reviewing:
The ride’s maintenance records
Mechanical inspection logs
Whether the attraction met required safety standards
Park management issued a statement expressing deep regret and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Why Did the Ride Fail?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, experts suspect that metal fatigue—potentially worsened by extreme summer heat in Taif—may have played a role in the support pole’s sudden fracture.
This tragedy has sparked renewed debate about ride maintenance standards, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions that may accelerate wear and tear on mechanical components.
Bigger Safety Concerns
The incident is part of a broader conversation about theme park safety worldwide. Similar ride failures in 2025 have occurred in other countries, prompting calls for:
More frequent inspections
Real-time structural monitoring systems
Stricter enforcement of safety regulations
Final Thoughts
What should have been a joyful day at Green Mountain Park instead became a terrifying experience for dozens of families. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, but the 23 injured victims—three critically—are a sobering reminder of why ride safety and regular maintenance must never be compromised.
As authorities continue their investigation, the incident has sparked public pressure for stronger amusement park safety laws and better oversight, ensuring that fun never again turns into tragedy.
