A shocking video has captured the chilling moment when a ride at an amusement park in Saudi Arabia snapped mid-air and crashed into the ground.
No fatalities were reported. At least 23 people on the ride were injured in the terrifying accident, which occurred at Green Mountain Park in Al Hada area near Taif. Al Hada is a popular resort destination in western Saudi Arabia.
The video shows the 360 Degrees, a pendulum-styled ride swinging back and forth when the axis pole breaks into two mid-air. The broken half, where the riders were seated, came crashing down to the ground with a loud noise. The riders, who were strapped to their seats, were sent hurtling down. We can also see one unidentified object being flung into the air as people scream and pray.
Reports citing witnesses claimed that when the axis pole broke, the sharp recoil hit the people on the opposite side. Other riders were injured due to the impact of the fall when the ride hit the ground.
The injured were treated on the spot before they were rushed to hospital. A Code Yellow emergency was called at local hospitals in Taif area, according to Okaz, a Saudi daily.
Taif Governor Prince Saud bin Nahar has directed authorities to shut down the park immediately. Police are investigating the reason for the accident and looking into potential safety lapses.