A terrifying moment unfolded at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, when a thrill ride named ‘360 Degrees’ catastrophically malfunctioned, leaving at least 23 people injured and a nation in shock. The dramatic collapse of the ride was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread concern and raising serious questions about amusement park safety standards.
What was intended to be a night of fun turned into a nightmare of screams and prayers, as the ride’s central structure gave way, sending chaos rippling through the park. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in the Al Hada area of Taif, a city known for its cooler mountain climate and popular recreational spots.
Green Mountain Park, a prominent family entertainment destination, became the site of a tragic mechanical failure that not only left several people seriously injured but also emotionally scarred many others who witnessed the horrific scene firsthand. In a matter of seconds, a ride designed for joy became a violent experience that could have turned fatal.
The Moment of Horror: What Happened at Green Mountain Park
The ‘360 Degrees’ thrill ride, known for its pendulum-like swings and rotating motions, is typically considered one of the more intense attractions in amusement parks. On that fateful evening in Taif, dozens of riders boarded the apparatus, expecting an exhilarating experience. The ride began smoothly, swinging back and forth as spectators and riders laughed and screamed in excitement. But mere moments into the motion, that excitement turned to dread.
As captured in the now-viral video, the ride’s main pole — the structure responsible for anchoring and supporting the entire mechanism — suddenly cracked. A sharp, echoing crack split the air, followed by the sound of bending metal. Within seconds, the central shaft of the ride broke into two, causing the rotating arm to snap and crash violently into the ground.
Eyewitnesses could be heard screaming in the video, some yelling prayers as the machinery collapsed with a deafening thud. Riders who were still seated on the ride were thrown off balance, some of them slamming into the structure or falling partially out of their harnesses. Others, including bystanders standing near the ride, were also hit by the recoiling parts of the broken machinery.
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Reports confirmed that 23 people sustained injuries, with at least three in critical condition. According to eyewitness accounts cited by Khaleej Times, the snapped ride arm rebounded with tremendous force, hitting individuals standing on the opposite side. The force of the impact, combined with the speed and weight of the machinery, made the injuries particularly severe in some cases.
Video: Screams, Prayers As Saudi Amusement Park Ride Crashes On Camera https://t.co/LFSKXq80Bq pic.twitter.com/qMFdMMBGTZ
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In the immediate aftermath, screams and confusion echoed through the park. Panic spread rapidly as people rushed to the scene, some trying to help the injured, others frozen in shock. Park officials quickly alerted emergency services, and within minutes, ambulances, police, and medical personnel arrived on the scene.
Swift Response and Medical Attention: Emergency Services in Action
Authorities responded promptly to the emergency call, displaying efficiency and coordination in managing the aftermath of the accident. Paramedics began administering first aid to the injured right on the spot, with several individuals requiring urgent medical attention. Some had suffered fractures, deep cuts, and traumatic head injuries, while others were in shock or had sustained internal injuries due to the sudden jolt.
Those most seriously injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Taif, where they were given further treatment. The three individuals classified as critically injured were admitted to intensive care units, with medical teams working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions.
The swift response of the emergency services likely prevented a far worse tragedy. Police officials also cordoned off the entire area to prevent crowds from gathering and to secure the site for investigation. Forensic teams arrived soon after to assess the structural remains of the ride and gather evidence that would help determine the cause of the malfunction.
Green Mountain Park temporarily closed all its rides following the incident, and a formal statement was issued assuring the public of full cooperation with authorities during the investigation. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, which oversees safety regulations for public entertainment venues in Saudi Arabia, announced an immediate inquiry into the incident.
The video footage played a crucial role in helping investigators understand the sequence of events. Experts from engineering and safety inspection backgrounds were brought in to analyze the ride’s design, materials, maintenance history, and operation protocol. Initial suspicions point to a possible structural failure due to material fatigue or inadequate maintenance.
However, until the final report is released, the full extent of the liability—whether it lies with the park’s management, the ride’s manufacturer, or lapses in safety inspections—remains unclear. The incident has nonetheless sparked a wave of concern, not just in Saudi Arabia but globally, over amusement ride safety and the enforcement of stringent standards.
A Stark Reminder: Global Concerns Over Amusement Park Safety
The tragedy in Taif is not an isolated incident. Around the world, similar ride-related accidents have occurred, often exposing serious lapses in safety measures. Earlier this year in Delhi, India, a young woman named Priyanka tragically lost her life after falling from a roller coaster ride due to a seatbelt malfunction. That incident too led to widespread outrage and sparked debates about the accountability of amusement park operators.
The key issue in such accidents often boils down to a combination of inadequate maintenance, human error, and outdated equipment. In many regions, rides are operated for years without proper upgrades or compliance checks, putting the lives of thrill-seekers at constant risk. Even in developed countries, where safety regulations are stringent, lapses can and do happen.
In developing and rapidly modernizing nations like Saudi Arabia, the demand for high-end recreational facilities has led to a surge in theme parks and entertainment complexes. However, this boom must be accompanied by robust safety protocols, regular inspections, and strict operator training. Green Mountain Park’s 360 Degrees ride should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the amusement industry to reassess and reinforce their commitment to public safety.
Moreover, the psychological impact of such incidents should not be overlooked. For those injured, the trauma may last far longer than the physical wounds. Even for those who escaped unscathed, witnessing such a harrowing event can leave deep emotional scars. Mental health support for victims and witnesses is crucial in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Public trust in amusement park safety is also shaken whenever such an event makes headlines. Families, especially those with young children, become more hesitant to visit these entertainment spots. Rebuilding that trust requires transparency, accountability, and demonstrable improvements in safety standards.
The catastrophic failure of the 360 Degrees ride at Saudi Arabia’s Green Mountain Park has highlighted the dark side of thrill-seeking entertainment. While amusement parks are built on the promise of fun and exhilaration, they carry an inherent responsibility: ensuring that joy never comes at the cost of safety.
This horrifying accident is a painful reminder of what happens when that responsibility is compromised. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that those injured will recover and that the incident will bring about meaningful changes—not only in Saudi Arabia but across the global amusement industry.