According to preliminary information, 18 people were seated on the ride when it ascended and reportedly got stuck at height. After some riders were brought down, the swing began moving at high speed before collapsing while descending. The incident was captured on a mobile phone video that later circulated widely.
Police said several fairgoers rushed to assist the injured as screams erupted across the area. During rescue efforts, a police inspector—deployed for crowd management—sustained critical injuries when part of the ride fell during the collapse. He was rushed to a private hospital by ambulance but succumbed to his injuries. Among the injured, at least seven required hospitalisation; others were treated for minor injuries.
Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha reached the site shortly after the incident and ordered an immediate evacuation of the fairground as a precaution. The ride area was cordoned off, and operations at nearby attractions were halted. Senior police and district administration officials initiated an on-site assessment.
An eyewitness, Raghav, a shopkeeper at the mela, said the swing stalled at the top and riders began shouting for help. “It suddenly started moving very fast. I climbed onto the structure and helped bring down seven to eight people,” he said. Moments later, the ride collapsed from the top, injuring those still trapped. Raghav sustained a minor shoulder injury when a railing fell during the chaos.
Authorities said a technical inspection has been ordered to determine the cause of the failure, including whether there was a mechanical defect, overloading, or lapses in safety protocols. The ride operator and maintenance contractor are being questioned, and relevant documents related to fitness certification and operating permissions have been sought.
The administration said compensation will be announced after due process and assured strict action if negligence is established. Safety audits of all rides at the mela are underway, and operations will resume only after clearance by technical teams.
The Surajkund Mela, a major cultural event drawing large crowds from across the country, has previously emphasized safety compliance. Saturday’s accident has renewed concerns over ride maintenance and oversight at large public events.
