A horrific incident unfolded at the Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, this week when an amusement ride malfunctioned and snapped. The aftermath left 23 people hurt. Meanwhile, three others are reportedly fighting for their lives. Video footage of the disaster has since emerged on social media, showing the ride’s arm breaking clean off, sending the whole thing crashing down.
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Here’s What Went Down At The Theme Park
The 360 Degree attraction, a pendulum ride where folks strap in and swing high, seemed to be working fine until a loud crack rang out. The main pole in the middle split in two, and the whole platform with riders dropped to the ground. Fortunately, it appeared the pole that snapped ended up helping prevent the platform from landing on people’s heads. Instead, it crashed into another pole before hitting the ground.
In footage shared on social media, debris can be seen flying while people were still strapped to their seats, screaming as the ride collapsed. Some got injured by the pole as they whipped back while shocked onlookers ran in fear. Civil defense and Saudi Red Crescent crews were dispatched to the scene, giving first aid on the spot before rushing those who were injured to nearby hospitals. Three people are in critical condition, per CNN, while at least 23 others are being treated for their injuries.
Ride snaps in half at amusement park in Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/Ga6STJ9xG8
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 31, 2025
Social Media Reacts To The Shocking Video
In the comments section of The Shade Room’s post, the Roomies were quick to react to the shocking news. Here’s what some of them had to say about the incident…
@ashleighhtf wrote, “Somebody said ‘this why I don’t trust rides that come out of a suitcase.’”
@lovebeingteka wrote, “Thank God it was no deaths… now y’all SUE!!”
@xoxolonii_ wrote, “brooo they lucky it didn’t land upside down on their heads omg”
@real.estate.rae wrote, “The ppl that slammed into the ride at that Speed. Omg! the impact of what that felt like for everyone on it. The sound of it breaking. The fear in the ppl who can’t see what’s happening. The horror for those that can. I’m praying everyone is ok.”
@_justkeymarie wrote, “This why I hold bags, keys, and phones while everybody else gets in rides 😮💨😭”
@k_shannie wrote, “The other part swinging back and hitting them mid air is prob what saved a lot of them. Prevented the ride from landing on its side”
@Jesus._daughter._ wrote, “This is so scary. Im happy to see no one died. But I think I’d be traumatized. This is still not ok. How did it just fall apart like that?”
@kimonay_ wrote, “and that’s why i don’t get on rides at carnivals”
Knott’s Berry Farm Ride Malfunctions, Leaves Riders Stranded Mid-Air
Green Mountain Park isn’t the only amusement park to have caught heat in a week. On Saturday, July 26, the Sol Spin ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, made headlines when it broke down. The incident left at least 20 riders stuck 60 feet in the air. This ride, flipping people six stories high on six spinning arms, froze for about five minutes due to a safety issue, per KTLA. Park staff got everyone down safely, and after an inspection, Sol Spin was reopened for guests. Back in November 2024, 22 people were trapped for almost three hours on that same ride, with two sent to the hospital for checks.
@abc7la IT HAPPENED AGAIN! New video shows people stuck mid-air on a Knott’s Berry Farm ride as it malfunctioned on Saturday. #losangeles #caughtonvideo #abc7la
