Amusement Park Ride Malfunction Leaves Over 30 People Stuck in Mid-Air for 3 Hours

Amusement Park Ride Malfunction Leaves 30 People Stranded in Mid-Air for 3 Hours

Over 30 people were left stranded in mid-air for three hours due to a malfunction on an amusement park ride at VGP Universal Kingdom in Chennai, India. The incident occurred when an attraction known as Top Gun suddenly stalled during its vertical ascent, trapping passengers, including eight children, more than 50 feet above the ground. According to reports by The Economic Times, the ride came to an unexpected halt around 7 p.m. local time, causing panic among riders who felt dizzy, dehydrated, and anxious while waiting for rescue.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers clinging to safety bars and calling out for help. Despite their distress, it took nearly two hours before any assistance reached the stranded individuals. Local firefighters were eventually summoned to the scene and, after several failed attempts to manually rescue the passengers, a crane was employed to bring them safely back to the ground. Medical attention was provided on-site to those in need.

Following the harrowing ordeal, the park has been closed for investigation into possible safety negligence and violations. The attraction in question, Top Gun, is designed to accommodate up to 38 passengers and costs approximately $7 per ride. Reports suggest that the park staff may not have adhered to proper safety protocols, prompting an official inquiry by Neelankarai Police. Initial findings indicate that the ride had mechanical issues that had been overlooked by operators, raising questions about maintenance standards.

In light of the incident, concerns have been raised about the safety practices and regulations at VGP Universal Kingdom. Authorities have stressed the importance of ensuring that amusement park attractions meet required safety standards to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Legal action may be taken against the park if violations are confirmed during the ongoing investigation.

Instances of amusement park ride malfunctions serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with such attractions. The safety and well-being of visitors should always be top priority, and thorough inspections and maintenance checks are essential to prevent accidents. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of adherence to safety guidelines and regulations within the amusement park industry.

Amid the ongoing investigation, victims of the malfunction have highlighted alleged lapses in safety measures and are seeking accountability from park management. The aftermath of the incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter safety enforcement and regular inspections to ensure the protection of park visitors. As the authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the malfunction, the focus remains on accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.