When fun turns fatal: Surajkund joyride tragedy video fuels safety concerns; watch

A joyride at the Surajkund International Craft Fair in Faridabad, Haryana turned tragic on Saturday evening when a high-speed ride, locally known as a ‘tsunami swing’, collapsed, killing a police inspector and injuring a number of visitors.

The incident occurred around 6:15 pm while the mela was bustling with crowds enjoying the cultural event, which draws visitors from across the region. 

Videos shared widely on social media show the ride operating at speed moments before part of its structure snapped and the swing tilted violently towards the ground, sending riders and bystanders into panic.

The deceased has been identified as Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a senior police official deployed at the fair. He was reportedly among the first to respond and assist riders as the incident unfolded and later succumbed to fatal injuries sustained during the rescue effort. 

Authorities said several others, including visitors and police personnel on duty, sustained injuries in the collapse and are being treated in nearby hospitals.

Amid the shock and grief, a social media response has drawn widespread attention to broader concerns about safety at similar events. 

One user wrote: “Joyride collapsed at the Surajkund Mela, Faridabad. Two killed, twelve injured. Another reminder to never, ever do adventure rides or sports in India. Here, most adventure rides are temporarily assembled, poorly audited, and run on jugaad, not engineering. Safety checks are formality; accountability starts only after deaths and ends with a few suspensions or temporary arrests, some compensation, some condolences and the announcement of a ‘high-level inquiry,’” while sharing the video.

Officials have confirmed that a formal investigation into the causes of the collapse is underway. The Faridabad Deputy Commissioner and senior police officers reached the site soon after the mishap to oversee rescue operations and ensure the injured receive medical care. 

Haryana’s Chief Minister also expressed condolences and announced support for the victim’s family.

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Authorities have indicated that legal action, including filing of an FIR against the ride operator, is imminent, and officials are examining whether proper safety checks and permissions were in place before the ride was allowed to operate.

As the mela continues, this incident has reignited public debate over safety standards at fairs and temporary events, prompting calls for stronger regulations and independent engineering audits of rides and attractions.