It was supposed to be a fun evening under the summer sky—laughs, adrenaline, and carefree moments at Green Mountain Park in Taif. But what unfolded felt like something out of a nightmare: the signature thrill ride known as 360 Degrees, a giant pendulum swing, snapped mid‑air. In the blink of an eye, carefree park-goers were plunged into chaos, injuries, and shock.

The Crack Heard Around the Ride
Witnesses recount a spine‑chilling snap echoing through the park just as the ride was swinging at its peak. Without warning, the central support arm fractured and recoiled violently, sending the passenger gondola crashing to the ground. Some people even said debris flew into nearby bystanders. The scene erupted into screaming and panic as riders were flung from seats and trapped in collision with metal fragments.
Swift Action Amid the Panic
Emergency personnel from Saudi Civil Defense and the Red Crescent were on site within minutes. A Code Yellow emergency was declared in Taif’s hospitals—the protocol for handling mass casualties. Victims received immediate first aid, with many rushed to nearby medical facilities. By the end of the night, authorities confirmed that 23 individuals had been injured, three in critical condition, though thankfully there were no fatalities.
Leaders Step In: Investigations and Park Closure
Following the disaster, Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz—the governor of Taif—ordered the amusement park’s immediate shutdown. He launched a full inquiry into what went wrong, pledging accountability and stricter safety oversight across the region’s leisure facilities.
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) joined the investigations, working with civil and technical agencies to assess whether maintenance procedures were up to standard—and whether extreme heat and metal fatigue played a role in weakening critical components.
Global Concern and Safety Questions Raised
Viral videos capturing the collapse circulated quickly on platforms like Twitter and X, raking in millions of views. People voiced urgent concerns over ride safety—not just in Saudi parks but around the world. Experts highlighted that extreme heat can accelerate corrosion, causing hidden fractures that standard annual inspections might miss.
In light of this, safety advocates are calling for advanced testing methods like ultrasonic scanners and real-time structural monitoring—especially for rides exposed to harsh climates. The accident has sparked public outcry and renewed demand for transparent maintenance records at amusement venues.
In shocking contrast to a fun day out, this ride collision stands as a powerful reminder: thrill should never come at the cost of safety. As investigations continue, regulators in Saudi Arabia may redefine safety standards—hopefully, saving others from similar heartbreak.
Disclaimer: This article is based on emerging reports, news footage, eyewitness accounts, and statements from officials. Final conclusions regarding causes and accountability will depend on official investigation outcomes. Information may evolve as more details become available.
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