Ferris Wheel Collapse at Indian Temple Fair Injures Dozens in Uttar Pradesh
A 60-foot Ferris wheel collapsed during a late-night fair in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, leaving at least 30 people injured, according to police reports. The incident occurred around midnight last Wednesday in Bhainsaha village, located in the Kushinagar district.
Terrifying Moment Captured on Video
Video footage captured by a fairgoer shows the horrifying moment the ride, carrying dozens of people including women and children, suddenly tilted to one side before crashing to the ground. Several riders remained seated in the Ferris wheel cars as the entire structure collapsed in a heap of twisted metal.
Witnesses immediately rushed to help those trapped beneath the wreckage, pulling victims from the debris in the chaotic aftermath. Local media reports indicated the ride was carrying nearly 80 people and had completed two rotations before emitting a creaking sound and collapsing.
Rescue Operations and Injuries
Police confirmed that rescue operations were launched immediately following the collapse. Six ambulances were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. At least 10 people were reported to be critically injured, while others sustained minor wounds.
An eyewitness described how one side of the swing's support pillar broke mid-operation, causing the entire structure to come crashing down, according to reports from the news website NDTV Hindi.
Annual Fair Attracts Large Crowds
The fair is held annually on the banks of the Narayani river within the temple premises, attracting devotees from neighbouring Bihar as well as visitors from across the border in Nepal. Hundreds had gathered at the ancient temple complex hosting the annual event when the accident occurred.
Safety Concerns and Investigation
Preliminary information suggests a technical fault had been noticed earlier, but the operator allegedly continued running the ride, raising serious concerns about negligence. Authorities have registered a case and are investigating whether mandatory safety checks were properly carried out before the Ferris wheel was put into operation.
Fairs in India attract huge crowds and are often organised around religious festivals and local events at temporary fairgrounds in rural areas. Such events have continued to spark concerns over safety and regulation by organisers as they typically feature makeshift rides assembled on-site, sometimes with limited oversight.
Previous Incident Highlights Ongoing Safety Issues
This is not the first such incident at Indian fairs. In 2024, a shocking video showed a 13-year-old girl dangling from a Ferris wheel after slipping from her seat mid-ride at the Jholu fair in Uttar Pradesh. Footage showed the teenager gripping the beam just outside one of the pods, clinging onto the ride for nearly a minute until it reached the ground.
The recent collapse has reignited discussions about safety standards at temporary amusement rides across India, particularly those operating at religious festivals and rural fairs where oversight may be limited.
