New Delhi: A terrible accident took place on the evening of 7 February 2026 at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad, which again raised questions on the safety of amusement swings and ropeways across the country. The high-speed ‘Tsunami’ swing installed in the amusement zone of the fair suddenly broke down due to mechanical failure. One tourist died and 13 people were injured in this accident. The most heartbreaking thing is that Inspector Jagdish Prasad of Haryana Police, who was engaged in rescue work, also lost his life.
At around 6 pm, the swing was rotating at full speed, 18-20 people were riding on it. Suddenly the support pillar broke, the swing tilted to one side and then collapsed completely. The passengers got stuck in the seats, there was screaming all around. Inspector Jagdish Prasad (58 years) posted on the spot immediately ran to help. While they were trying to rescue the trapped people, a heavy part of the swing fell on them. There were serious injuries on the head and face. He was taken to a private hospital in Faridabad, but he died during treatment.
Jagdish Prasad was a resident of Mathura, had joined Haryana Police in 1989 and was about to retire in March. He also received the Police Medal in 2020. DGP Ajay Singhla gave him the status of ‘martyr’ and said that he sacrificed his life while saving the lives of others. The family was promised assistance of Rs 1 crore and compassionate appointment.
Darjeeling Ropeway, West Bengal: On October 19, 2003, several cable cars slipped due to mechanical failure, killing four people and injuring several others. The ropeway was kept closed for a long time and was later repaired.
Kankaria Amusement Park, Ahmedabad: On July 14, 2019, a pendulum swing at Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Amusement Park crashed after a pipe in the main shaft broke, killing two people and injuring around 30 others. Authorities immediately suspended the swing and ordered a security check of the park.
Trikut Ropeway, Deoghar, Jharkhand: On April 10, 2022, two cable cars collided in mid-air, killing two people and leaving dozens stranded for hours. The state government ordered an investigation and later blacklisted the private operator.
Nainital Ropeway, Uttarakhand: On July 27, 2023, the Nainital cable car stopped midway due to a technical glitch, leaving 12 passengers, including six foreign tourists, stranded in the air. Everyone was rescued safely and services were resumed after repairs and safety checks.
Entertainment Park of South West Delhi: On April 3, 2023, a 24-year-old woman died after falling from a roller coaster because she was not wearing a seat belt. The ride was shut down and the police initiated action against those responsible for the maintenance.
VGP Universal Kingdom, Chennai: On May 28, 2025, a thrill ride stopped mid-air, leaving at least 30 riders stranded for about three hours. Fire and rescue teams evacuated the passengers safely and the swing was closed for investigation.
Kagal Mela, Kolhapur, Maharashtra: On October 25, 2025, a tower ride malfunctioned, trapping 18 people at a height of approximately 80 feet for several hours. Fire services evacuated the riders to safety and officials ordered safety checks of all rides at the fair.
Pavagadh Hill Ropeway, Gujarat: On September 6, 2025, six people died after a cable snapped on a freight ropeway. The police registered a case of accidental death and a technical committee was formed to investigate the incident.
Jhabua Fair, Madhya Pradesh: On January 19, 2026, a giant swing collapsed at a local fair, injuring about 14 school children. The district administration ordered a magisterial inquiry and suspended the swing.