A severe incident at a Saudi Arabian amusement park resulted in 23 injuries when a pendulum ride broke in half during operation on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The malfunction took place at Green Mountain Park in the Al-Hada area of Taif, near Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia.
The ride, called “360 Big Pendulum” or “360 Degrees,” was in motion when the central support arm gave way. Verified video footage by CNN shows the carousel component crashing into the pendulum’s opposite end before hitting the ground, accompanied by a metallic snap and a crunching sound.
Of the 23 individuals injured, three suffered critical injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. Others sustained various injuries, with some treated at the scene by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority before being transported to medical facilities. Local hospitals in Taif declared a code yellow emergency, indicating a mass casualty event.
Witnesses stated that riders remained secured in their seats during the fall but still sustained injuries. The central pole of the ride recoiled at high speed, striking individuals standing on the opposite side of the attraction, causing additional injuries. The arrival of emergency responders was described by several eyewitnesses as “chaotic.”
The ride’s wheel was positioned at an angle exceeding 90 degrees relative to the ground when the structural failure occurred. Observers noted that the wheel righted itself as it fell, landing relatively flat, which local media suggested might have prevented fatalities.
Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the regional governor of Taif, ordered the immediate closure of the resort following the accident. He also initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the ride’s collapse, with authorities expecting preliminary findings soon.
As reported by state-controlled outlet Arab News, the investigation will examine other rides at the park for safety issues. The damaged ride has been secured while investigators work to determine the cause of the structural failure. Emergency teams confirmed that “several injuries occurred”, with some victims treated on-site, while others needed hospital care.
The incident in Saudi Arabia is among several recent amusement park ride malfunctions globally. In Southern California, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Sol Spin Ride experienced two malfunctions in recent months, while Disneyland’s Autopia ride was shut down for hours in June after several cars derailed.
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, has faced issues with its new “Siren’s Curse” ride, which has left riders suspended in midair multiple times since opening. The tilt coaster malfunctioned four times in 25 days, requiring passengers to descend the steep 160-foot curve.
Last October, a similar incident occurred in Ecuador when two gondola cars detached from a high-flying ride at a traveling fairground, resulting in 10 injuries, with six people in critical condition. In April, a 24-year-old woman died in Delhi, India, after a roller coaster swing broke, causing her to crash to the ground.
The Green Mountain Park incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at amusement facilities worldwide, with investigators working to determine whether mechanical failure, maintenance issues, or other factors contributed to the Saudi Arabia ride collapse. The park remains closed pending the completion of the safety investigation and assessment of all attractions.
