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Children RUSHED to hospital as ride malfunctions midway and crashes 50ft into ground, flinging thrill-seekers from seats

The ride which malfunctioned around 9:15 pm on Sunday, September 4 night, in the state of Punjab in India had about 50 people on board

MOHALI, INDIA: In a shocking incident that took place in the state of Punjab in India, a 'drop tower' broke down in the middle of the ride, leading to the hospitalization of 16 people, including women and children. The 50-ft-tall attraction had 50 people on board. The terrifying accident took place around 9.15 pm on Sunday, September 4. 

The 'drop tower' ride was set up as a major highlight at the trade fair happening in the Mohali district of Punjab, India. The local media stated that several children as young as 10 years old were taken to a nearby medical facility. 

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The ride can be seen spinning and slowly ascending. It stopped at a height and continued to spin, but instead of descending slowly, the ride free-falls. Meanwhile, many people were seen being flung out of their chairs into the air due to impact and a loud noise was heard causing panic. There have been no reports of fatalities. However, most of the people on board the ride have suffered back and jaw injuries, but are stated to be out of danger. It is also reported that there had been no ambulances on standby at the fair.

Organizer Sunny Singh spoke to local media and said, “We will find out how this happened. It seems there was a technical issue. Earlier too, we organized several fetes but this has never happened. We will cooperate with the police and administration.”

Meanwhile, Jaspreet Kaur, an eyewitness, told the media outlet,  “We picked up the injured and rushed to the hospital. There was no ambulance, and even the bouncers of the fete were trying to threaten us." Later, the employees of the organizers also fled the scene.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Harsimran Singh Bal, who reached at the spot said, “There was a large footfall at the fete as it was a Sunday. We are trying to find out how this happened. A case will be registered accordingly.” Further, Mohali deputy commissioner Amit Talwar said, “We will hold an inquiry and strict action will be taken against the guilty.”

The organizers of the fair had permission to conduct the event till September 4, however, a board notifying the extension of the deadline was put up on the spot which mentioned September 11 as the deadline, reported local media.