Carnival Ride Detaches and Crashes, Killing Hero Policeman and Injuring 13
A horrifying incident unfolded at the Surajkund Fair in Faridabad, Haryana, India, when a carnival ride detached and crashed to the ground, resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to 13 people. The tragedy occurred around 6:15 PM on Saturday, casting a shadow over the popular annual event.
Details of the Tragic Accident
Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a father of three who was due to retire in March after 36 years of service, lost his life in the accident. The 'Tsunami' swing ride, carrying 19 people at the time, malfunctioned as one of its carriages detached from an arm while rotating. Terrifying footage captures the moment excitable screams from fairgoers turned to shouts of horror as the carriage crashed to the ground with a massive thud.
Inspector Prasad heroically rushed to aid the injured after the initial collapse but was struck in the head and face when another part of the ride broke, trapping other riders. He sustained critical injuries and later died while receiving medical treatment. Deputy Police Commissioner Ayush Sinha confirmed to local media that the inspector died while rescuing people, highlighting his bravery in the face of danger.
Response and Investigation
Following the incident, the injured were swiftly transported to two different hospitals, and the fair was evacuated as authorities took control. The carnival ride area has been temporarily closed for investigation and safety checks. Ayush Sinha stated that the incidents are being thoroughly investigated, with strict action promised against those responsible. Preliminary findings suggest the ride malfunction was due to a mechanical fault rather than adverse weather conditions, although earlier that day, strong winds had caused a gate collapse at the fair, injuring an adult and a child.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini expressed deep sadness over the accident, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and issuing instructions for proper and immediate treatment of the injured. The Haryana government has committed to providing every possible form of assistance to the affected individuals and their families, working with full sensitivity during this difficult time.
Background and Similar Incidents
The Surajkund Fair, now in its 39th year, began on January 31 and was scheduled to continue until Sunday, but the tragedy has disrupted proceedings. This is not the first dangerous incident at an Indian fairground; in 2022, a ride in Punjab crashed after falling nearly 50 feet, injuring at least 15 people, including children. That accident involved a spinning drop tower that lost speed and plummeted, throwing riders from their seats and colliding with the platform below, prompting screams from onlookers.
As investigations into the Faridabad incident proceed, questions about ride safety and maintenance at public events are being raised, underscoring the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
