Nyashadzaishe Rushwaya in India
Faridabad, India-A festive evening at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela turned tragic on Saturday after a popular amusement ride, locally known as the “Tsunami” swing, collapsed while operating at full speed, killing a police inspector and injuring 13 others.
The accident occurred at around 6:30 pm in the amusement zone of the mela. The giant electrical swing, carrying at least 26 riders, suddenly came unhinged during operation. Eyewitnesses said the structure tilted sharply to one side before getting stuck mid-air, leaving several riders strapped to their seats and trapped inside the hanging ride.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad, the police officer in charge of security at the amusement zone, rushed to the spot immediately after the malfunction was noticed. As rescue efforts were underway, the swing collapsed completely within minutes, causing Inspector Prasad to suffer fatal head and facial injuries. He succumbed to his injuries, marking a devastating loss for the force and the mela’s safety operations.
Ambulances stationed at the mela site were used to transport the victims swiftly. Hospital sources said several of the injured suffered fractures and trauma but are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident.
The tragedy has revived painful memories of a similar swing accident at the Surajkund fair in 2001, which claimed three lives, raising serious questions about safety standards and monitoring of amusement rides at large public events.
Officials clarified that members of the Zimbabwean delegation participating in the mela are safe, and none were involved in either of the two incidents.
As the mela draws visitors from across India and abroad, Saturday’s events have cast a shadow over the celebration of culture and craftsmanship. The death of Inspector Jagdish Prasad and the injuries suffered by visitors have renewed calls for stricter safety audits, real-time monitoring, and accountability at large-scale public festivals.
