In a scene straight out of a nightmare, a 360‑degree amusement ride at Green Mountain Park, a resort nestled in Saudi Arabia’s Al Hada mountains, snapped in half mid-air, plunging riders to the ground in a horrifying cascade of chaos and panic.

The result? 23 people were injured, including three critically, in what authorities and social media alike are calling one of the worst theme park disasters in recent memory.

 The Stakes Were High — Then Came the SNAP

Eyewitness accounts describe how the ride, ominously labeled “360 Degrees”, began as a thrilling pendulum swing, spinning riders skyward. But as the ride gained momentum, spectators heard a sudden, bone‑chilling crack:

The central support pole buckled, the passenger carousel detached, and the entire structure plummeted in a catastrophic collapse.

Even though riders were strapped in, the force of the fall and the recoil of the broken pole struck bystanders and caused serious injuries.

 23 Injured, 3 in Critical Condition

Emergency personnel acted swiftly. Some victims received on-site first aid, while others were transported to local hospitals. Medical centers in Taif declared a “code yellow”, the region’s highest level of mass casualty response.

At least three individuals remain in critical condition, raising grave concerns about long-term survival and recovery.

 The Footage That Shattered the Internet

Shocked onlookers began posting raw video clips epic in scale. The footage, widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), shows riders screaming in terror as the ride spiraled out of control.

One video captures the exact moment the pole snaps—sending the carousel into a violent recoil, passengers screaming, and debris flying in every direction.

Within hours, hashtags like #GreenMountainCrash and #360DegreesDisaster were trending across the globe.

 Park Shut Down — Investigation Underway

The entire Green Mountain Park has been immediately cordoned off, and park operations suspended while Saudi authorities launch a formal investigation.

Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Taif region, has reportedly ordered a full safety audit across all local attractions — with legal consequences for anyone found negligent.

 Global Safety Scare: Is This Just the Beginning?

This incident isn’t isolated. Recent months have seen multiple amusement ride failures worldwide—from riders stranded upside down on a Ferris wheel in Brazil to malfunctioning roller coasters in the U.S.

Safety experts are sounding alarms:

“If heavy maintenance and inspections aren’t standardized, tragedies like this could repeat,” one analyst told The Times of India.

 Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos on the Ground

Park-goers posted chilling testimonials:

“It was the loudest snap I’ve ever heard,” one visitor said. “Then people started screaming, some were thrown out of their seats—even though they were strapped in.”
Another witness recalled: “The pole recoiled like a whip. It hit a few people standing too close. The ride just collapsed under its own weight.”

 A Deep Dive into Possible Causes

Authorities suspect structural failure of the central shaft, possibly exacerbated by corrosion, metal fatigue, or improper design.

Safety inspectors may also scrutinize:

Inspection logs
Previous maintenance history
Ride manufacturer quality control
Operational protocols for peak-speed rides

Saudi regulators warn that if negligence is found, park operators could face criminal charges.

 Legal Fallout: Who’s Liable?

Legal experts say victims and their families could pursue compensation—even criminal liability—depending on investigative findings.

The park may face multiple lawsuits alleging:

Design defects
Improper maintenance
Operator negligence
Inadequate safety protocols

It’s a legal mess that could reverberate across the global amusement industry.

 What Comes Next?

Authorities have pledged a public safety briefing in the coming days. Meanwhile, social media watchdogs and consumer groups are demanding:

Release of inspection reports
Transparency on ride history
Accountability for park operators and regulators

This accident has already prompted other Saudi-themed attractions to voluntarily close and conduct safety audits as a precaution.

 Headline Potential: This Could Be a Global Turning Point

Whether you’re an investor, legal analyst, or theme park fan, this incident carries significance:

It may trigger global reforms in ride safety
Inspire new industry-wide standards
Spark public distrust in resort destinations
Prompt reevaluation of ride design and materials

 Final Thoughts

What was supposed to be a fun night at a mountain resort turned into a gruesome spectacle of metal failure and human suffering.

With 23 injured and three in critical condition, the questions are stark:

Has safety been gambled for thrill-seeking?
Will the park be held accountable?
And most importantly: Can amusement parks ever truly guarantee your safety?

Stay tuned. As more details emerge, we’ll bring you every shocking update.