23 injured as amusement park ride collapses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities have since ordered the immediate closure of the amusement park

Last updated: July 31, 2025 | 13:25

1 MIN READ

The accident occurred as the ride was in operation and loaded with visitors

Dubai: At least 23 people were injured, including several young women, three of whom are in critical condition, when an amusement park ride collapsed on Wednesday evening in the Al Hada district of Taif, a popular mountain resort city in western Saudi Arabia, according to local authorities.

The accident occurred as the ride was in operation and loaded with visitors. Witnesses described scenes of panic and disbelief as the structure suddenly gave way, sending riders crashing down and leaving bystanders screaming. Emergency responders, including civil defence teams and paramedics from the Saudi Red Crescent, quickly secured the site and transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where the most serious cases remain under intensive observation.

Saudi authorities have since ordered the immediate closure of the amusement park pending the outcome of the investigation. Officials said investigators from municipal authorities, the General Entertainment Authority, and security services have opened a wide-ranging inquiry to determine the cause of the failure and whether the park met required safety standards and technical regulations.

The collapse drew swift attention across the kingdom after a video circulated on social media showing the ride shattering mid-operation. The footage captures the moment of the breakdown, followed by the sound of terrified screams, intensifying public concern about the state of safety in leisure venues.

As of late Wednesday, the area around the ride remained cordoned off while investigators continued their work.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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