Joyride horror: 23 injured as Amusement park ride snaps mid-air in Saudi Arabia 

What began as a thrilling day at Green Mountain Park near Taif, Saudi Arabia, turned into a nightmare as a popular amusement ride malfunctioned mid-operation, injuring over 20 visitors. A viral video capturing the terrifying moment has left the internet stunned and raised urgent questions about ride safety and oversight.

Chaos on the ‘360 Degrees’ Ride

The incident took place on the '360 Degrees' ride, a high-speed thrill attraction known for its dramatic swings and spinning action. Eyewitness footage shows visitors screaming with excitement until horror struck. Midway through the ride, the central support pole snapped in two, causing a catastrophic failure. The ride's arm recoiled with force, violently striking passengers and sending some tumbling from their seats.

Terrifying incident in Saudi Arabia.
A ride named "360" at the Green Mountain park in Taif snapped mid-air, carrying nearly 30 people — many injured, some seriously.
This raises a global concern:
Are amusement rides regularly inspected worldwide?#RideAccident #AmusementPark pic.twitter.com/h6O9yFtmVn

— شكري المصعبي (@shukrey7) July 31, 2025

Moments of Panic and Immediate Response

The loud crash and screams triggered chaos in the park. Onlookers rushed to help as park security and emergency responders swiftly cordoned off the ride area. Multiple ambulances arrived at the scene within minutes. Medical teams provided first aid on-site before transferring the injured to hospitals in the Taif region.

According to reports, at least 23 people suffered moderate to serious injuries. Hospitals were placed on Code Yellow alert, indicating a significant influx of trauma cases.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the mechanical failure, aiming to identify lapses in maintenance and safety protocols. Meanwhile, Green Mountain Park has suspended operations of similar rides pending inspection.

This chilling incident is a sobering reminder of the thin line between fun and danger when safety systems fail. As the injured recover, all eyes are on the investigation's outcome and the accountability that must follow.