23 Seriously Injured in Theme Park Incident After ‘360 Degrees’ Ride Snaps in Two

in Theme Parks, Travel

A brightly lit amusement park ride spins upside down at night, with passengers seated in a circular arrangement. The ride, safely illuminated with blue and white lights against a dark sky, shows no signs of a theme park accident.

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A terrifying incident occurred at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on July 31, 2025, when the park’s popular “360 Degrees” ride malfunctioned mid-operation, leaving 23 people injured, three of whom were critically hurt. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported in the accident, but the severity of the incident has raised concerns about the safety of amusement park attractions.

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The Incident

The accident took place in the late afternoon when the “360 Degrees” ride, a high-flying thrill attraction known for its dizzying, rotating motions, suddenly malfunctioned, causing it to snap mid-operation. Riders were left suspended in the air as the ride stopped abruptly, and emergency services were immediately called to the scene. The injured passengers, including several children, were swiftly attended to by paramedics and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Among the 23 injured, three individuals sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital in serious condition. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Eyewitnesses to the incident described the scene as chaotic, with onlookers watching in horror as emergency responders worked to stabilize the injured and clear the area.

Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents

The incident has raised alarms about the safety standards of amusement park rides in the region. While Green Mountain Park is one of the most popular leisure destinations in Taif, the event has prompted discussions about ride safety, maintenance procedures, and the potential for future accidents. This is particularly concerning given the rise in amusement park attendance across Saudi Arabia in recent years.

While this is the first reported incident involving the “360 Degrees” ride, Saudi authorities are now focusing on ensuring that all rides and attractions at theme parks undergo regular and thorough safety inspections to prevent further tragedies. Several neighboring parks have announced that they will increase safety checks on their own rides in the wake of the accident.

A nighttime cityscape of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with illuminated skyscrapers and roads. The Kingdom Centre Tower is visible in the background. A nod to recent news, such as a theme park accident, contrasts with the vibrant city scene. The Saudi Arabian flag appears at top right.
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Public Reaction

Locals and tourists alike have expressed their shock and concern over the incident. Social media posts and news outlets have been flooded with comments from people sharing their well wishes for the injured victims and their families. Some visitors also questioned the safety of amusement parks in the region, calling for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of park-goers.

As investigations continue, Green Mountain Park has pledged to improve safety measures and implement stronger procedures for ride inspections. The park has promised to cooperate with the authorities and provide updates as they learn more about the cause of the malfunction.

For now, the “360 Degrees” ride remains closed, and the focus shifts to the recovery of the injured and the ongoing safety assessments within the park. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols in amusement parks, as well as the need for constant vigilance to prevent such accidents in the future.

in Theme Parks, Travel

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