At least 23 people sustained injuries — including four in critical condition — after a devastating accident at a Saudi amusement park when a popular ride snapped mid-motion and crashed to the ground.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at a park in Taif, southwest Saudi Arabia, and involved the “360 Degrees” ride, a rotating carousel that broke in half mid-air. Shocking footage circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment the circular ride plummeted from several meters high, sending terrified riders crashing to the ground.
Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV confirmed the number of injuries and reported that authorities have since shut down the amusement park pending a full investigation.
The accident comes amid Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to expand its entertainment sector, part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy away from oil. Key to this effort is the development of mega-leisure projects like Qiddiya near Riyadh — an “entertainment city” that will house theme parks, motorsport tracks, and cultural centers.
