Taif, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2025 – A horrifying accident at Green Mountain Park in the Al-Hada area of Taif, Saudi Arabia, left 23 people injured, three critically, when the “360 Big Pendulum” ride catastrophically collapsed mid-operation on Wednesday evening, July 30. The incident, captured in chilling video footage circulating widely on social media, has prompted the immediate closure of the park and an urgent investigation by local authorities.
According to state media and eyewitness accounts, the pendulum-style ride, which swings riders in a wide arc while strapped into a revolving platform, was in full motion when its central support pole suddenly snapped in two. The passenger-bearing section plummeted to the ground with a deafening crash, sending debris flying and sparking scenes of panic among riders and onlookers. Screams filled the air as the ride’s arm broke, with some witnesses reporting that the recoiling pole struck passengers, exacerbating injuries.
The Taif Governorate reported that emergency responders, including civil defense teams and Saudi Red Crescent paramedics, swiftly secured the site. Some victims received first aid at the scene, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals, which declared a Code Yellow emergency to manage the influx of casualties. Of the 23 injured, three remain in critical condition, and four others sustained serious injuries, though no fatalities have been reported.
Taif Governor Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz ordered the immediate closure of Green Mountain Park and launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. During an emergency meeting, he directed authorities to conduct safety reviews of all recreational facilities in the region to prevent future incidents. “We are committed to ensuring accountability and enforcing the highest safety standards,” the governor stated while visiting the injured in the hospital.
The viral footage, shared across platforms like X, shows the ride’s catastrophic failure, with the “360 Degrees” label visible as the structure buckles. Posts on X expressed public outrage, with some users alleging negligence by park operators. One post described the incident as a “terrifying moment” where “children narrowly escaped death,” highlighting the severity of the event.This accident comes amid Saudi Arabia’s push to expand its leisure and tourism sector as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its oil-reliant economy. Projects like Qiddiya, an “entertainment city” near Riyadh, underscore the kingdom’s growing focus on amusement attractions. However, the Taif incident raises concerns about safety standards at such venues.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to release preliminary findings soon. For now, Green Mountain Park remains shuttered, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for rigorous safety protocols in amusement facilities.
