Taif: At least 23 people were injured, including several young women, three of whom are in critical condition, when an amusement park ride collapsed in the Al Hada district of Taif, a popular mountain resort city in western Saudi Arabia, according to local authorities.
The accident occurred as the ride was in operation and loaded with visitors. Witnesses described scenes of panic and disbelief as the structure suddenly gave way, sending riders crashing down and leaving bystanders screaming.
Emergency responders, including civil defence teams and paramedics from the Saudi Red Crescent, quickly secured the site and transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where the most serious cases remain under intensive observation.
Saudi authorities have since ordered the immediate closure of the amusement park pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials said investigators from municipal authorities, the General Entertainment Authority, and security services have opened a wide-ranging inquiry to determine the cause of the failure and whether the park met required safety standards and technical regulations.
The collapse drew swift attention across the kingdom after a video circulated on social media showing the ride shattering mid-operation.
The footage captures the moment of the breakdown, followed by the sound of terrified screams, intensifying public concern about the state of safety in leisure venues.
As of late Wednesday, the area around the ride remained cordoned off while investigators continued their work.
