Saudi Arabia Amusement Park Ride Malfunction Injures 23

A spine-chilling crack echoed through Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, as the “360 Degrees” thrill ride snapped mid-swing on July 31, 2025. The catastrophic failure sent metal debris flying and left 23 riders injured—some critically—in an incident now under urgent investigation. Viral footage of the collapse has amplified global scrutiny of amusement ride safety protocols, with experts questioning maintenance standards in extreme climates.

What Caused the Green Mountain Park Ride Collapse?

Eyewitnesses described a “metallic explosion” as the ride’s central support arm fractured during operation. Safety harnesses prevented fatalities, but riders suffered fractures, head trauma, and lacerations. Saudi Civil Defense declared a Code Yellow emergency, mobilizing first responders who triaged victims at the scene before hospital transfers. Initial inspections by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) suggest metal fatigue from prolonged exposure to Taif’s 104°F (40°C) summer heat weakened critical joints.

The ride—manufactured by Swiss firm AeroThrill Ltd. in 2021—passed its last inspection in June 2025. However, independent engineer Dr. Lena Müller notes: “High-temperature environments accelerate corrosion. Annual inspections can’t catch micro-fractures without advanced sensors.” The GEA has suspended operations of all pendulum rides nationwide pending reinforced safety audits.

Global Reactions and Maintenance Failures Exposed

Within hours, footage shared by Middle East 24 spread to Reddit’s r/ThatsInsane, amassing 2.1 million views. Users highlighted systemic issues:

• “These rides are ticking time bombs,” argued a former carnival technician. “Stress fractures multiply unnoticed until disaster.”
• Redditor @pds393 recounted surviving a similar ride in Maine: “Laughing one second, terrified the next. Never again.”

The park operator’s swift evacuation drew praise, but critics cited Saudi Arabia’s 2024 National Amusement Safety Report, which flagged “inconsistent maintenance documentation” at 30% of facilities. Comparatively, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mandates ultrasonic testing for high-stress components—a protocol not uniformly adopted in the Middle East.

Social Media’s Role in Accountability

Twitter users tagged AeroThrill Ltd., demanding transparency. The company’s statement emphasized compliance with “all EU safety standards” but avoided addressing climate-specific risks. Meanwhile, Saudi officials announced a task force with German engineering firm TÜV SÜD to overhaul inspection frameworks by Q1 2026.

Key Takeaways for Park-Goers:

1. Verify ride inspection dates (publicly posted in parks).
2. Report unusual noises or jerky movements immediately.
3. Prioritize rides with real-time structural monitoring systems.

The Green Mountain Park tragedy underscores a universal truth: Thrills must never compromise safety. As investigations unfold, this incident should catalyze global adoption of climate-adapted ride maintenance standards. Check your local park’s safety record—share this article to spread awareness.

Must Know

Q: How often are amusement rides inspected in Saudi Arabia?
A: Saudi regulations require annual inspections by the General Entertainment Authority. However, high-usage rides like “360 Degrees” lack mandated interim checks—a gap officials now aim to address.

Q: Could heat have caused the Green Mountain Park ride failure?
A: Yes. Extreme heat accelerates metal fatigue. Taif’s temperatures exceed 100°F for 4 months yearly, stressing joints beyond typical wear. The ongoing probe examines material resilience records.

Q: What injuries did victims sustain?
A: Per hospital reports, injuries included spinal fractures, concussions, and lacerations. Three victims remain in intensive care but are stable.

Q: Are pendulum-style rides safe?
A: When maintained rigorously, yes. The U.S. reports just 0.3 incidents per million rides (CPSC 2024). Opt for parks publishing real-time sensor data.

Q: Has the manufacturer faced prior incidents?
A: AeroThrill Ltd. recalled a similar ride in France in 2023 due to faulty hydraulic seals. No fatalities were reported.

Sources cited: Saudi General Entertainment Authority (July 2025), Khaleej Times (July 31, 2025), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (2024 Report), TÜV SÜD engineering standards.