Panic ripped through the Surajkund Mela on Saturday evening as a giant amusement swing snapped mid-air and came crashing down, killing an on-duty police inspector and injuring at least 11 others. Shockingly, the deadly ride mishap came barely an hour after a gate at the fairgrounds collapsed, leaving two people — including a child — hurt.
The nightmare unfolded around 6 pm when nearly 19 people were enjoying the towering swing ride. Without warning, the structure tilted violently before one end snapped, leaving the ride dangling just a few feet above the ground. Moments later, the other end gave way — and the entire swing crashed down, triggering screams, chaos and stampede-like scenes.
Among the first to rush in was Inspector Jagdish Prasad of Palwal Police, the security in-charge of the swing area. The 59-year-old officer jumped in to save trapped riders. Witnesses said shopkeepers and policemen desperately held up parts of the broken ride as people were pulled out — but tragedy struck again when the swing fully collapsed.
Inspector Prasad suffered severe head and facial injuries during the rescue and later succumbed. A native of Mathura, he was just weeks away from retirement in March after 36 years of service in the Haryana Armed Police.
Several victims, including women police personnel and visitors from Faridabad, Noida, Rajasthan and Greater Noida, were rushed to nearby private hospitals and BK Hospital. A stall operator was also injured after being hit by a metal grill during rescue efforts.
As if that wasn’t enough, trouble had already struck the mela earlier in the day. Around an hour before the swing tragedy, Gate Number 2 of the fairgrounds suddenly collapsed, injuring a local resident and a child.
Senior officials rushed to the spot, rescue teams swung into action and an investigation was ordered. Authorities confirmed an FIR will be registered and strict action promised against those responsible.
The Haryana Chief Minister and Tourism Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident, assuring swift treatment for the injured and support for the bereaved family.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a major annual attraction, now stands overshadowed by tragedy — raising serious questions about safety lapses at one of the country’s biggest cultural fairs.
The nightmare unfolded around 6 pm when nearly 19 people were enjoying the towering swing ride. Without warning, the structure tilted violently before one end snapped, leaving the ride dangling just a few feet above the ground. Moments later, the other end gave way — and the entire swing crashed down, triggering screams, chaos and stampede-like scenes.
Among the first to rush in was Inspector Jagdish Prasad of Palwal Police, the security in-charge of the swing area. The 59-year-old officer jumped in to save trapped riders. Witnesses said shopkeepers and policemen desperately held up parts of the broken ride as people were pulled out — but tragedy struck again when the swing fully collapsed.
Inspector Prasad suffered severe head and facial injuries during the rescue and later succumbed. A native of Mathura, he was just weeks away from retirement in March after 36 years of service in the Haryana Armed Police.
Several victims, including women police personnel and visitors from Faridabad, Noida, Rajasthan and Greater Noida, were rushed to nearby private hospitals and BK Hospital. A stall operator was also injured after being hit by a metal grill during rescue efforts.
As if that wasn’t enough, trouble had already struck the mela earlier in the day. Around an hour before the swing tragedy, Gate Number 2 of the fairgrounds suddenly collapsed, injuring a local resident and a child.
Senior officials rushed to the spot, rescue teams swung into action and an investigation was ordered. Authorities confirmed an FIR will be registered and strict action promised against those responsible.
The Haryana Chief Minister and Tourism Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident, assuring swift treatment for the injured and support for the bereaved family.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a major annual attraction, now stands overshadowed by tragedy — raising serious questions about safety lapses at one of the country’s biggest cultural fairs.