What Went Down: Ride Snaps Mid-Air in Saudi Arabia
Could you imagine strapping into a ride thinking you’re about to have the time of your life… and suddenly the whole thing snaps mid-air like a Final Destination scene? That’s exactly what went down at an amusement park in Saudi Arabia, and it’s got the internet shook.
According to state media, at least 23 people were injured, including three left in critical condition, after a fairground ride called the “360 Big Pendulum” collapsed mid-swing. This wild incident happened Wednesday evening in the Al-Hada area of Taif, near Jeddah, and it was all caught on camera and yes, the footage is just as terrifying as it sounds.
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The video, verified by CNN and Fox News, shows the massive pendulum ride swinging like normal before snapping out of nowhere, sending its circular passenger car slamming into the structure… and then, boom, it crashes to the ground with people onboard.
Officials Shut It Down Immediately — And We Mean Immediately
Once word got out, Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the regional governor, wasn’t having it. He ordered the resort to shut down immediately while officials dig into what caused the catastrophic failure.
A full-blown investigation is now underway. Authorities aren’t just checking the ride — they’re checking every screw, operator manual, and maintenance report in that park. And with Saudi Arabia trying to beef up its global tourism game, this is the kind of PR nightmare they didn’t see coming.
How the Hell Does a Ride Just Snap?! Let’s Break It Down
Look, roller coasters and thrill rides might look wild, but they’re usually built with extreme safety standards — we’re talking redundant systems, daily safety checks, and inspections galore.
But when something like the “360 Big Pendulum” collapses, it’s often a combination of human error, mechanical fatigue, and bad maintenance. Experts say rides breaking mid-air like this are rare, but when they do — it’s bad, real bad.
According to a 2023 report by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the odds of being seriously injured on a ride in the U.S. is about 1 in 15.5 million. But those stats vary drastically depending on the country’s regulations and oversight. If the inspection game is weak? You’re gambling with your life.
Social Media Reacts: “This Is Why I Don’t Do Rides!”
Once the video hit the web, users from all over chimed in:
“I KNEW my gut wasn’t lying when I passed on that ride in Dubai.”
“Prayers to those families. I can’t even imagine the trauma.”
“This is why I hold the bags while y’all go scream.”
TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram are flooded with replays of the collapse and debates about ride safety. Some are calling for international ride inspection laws, while others are simply saying, “I’m good on amusement parks for life.”
HU Take: Somebody’s Gonna Pay For This
With 23 people hurt and three in critical care, lawsuits are likely coming, not just for the park but for the ride manufacturers and safety regulators too. And if negligence is proven? Best believe folks are lawyering up.