A giant swinging boat attraction at a fair in India collapsed this week, injuring more than a dozen riders on board. The incident, which took place on January 19 at the Maharaj No Melo fair in Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh, has sparked a probe into safety standards and ride overloading.
At a Glance
- A giant swinging boat attraction at a fair in India collapsed this week.
- 14 schoolchildren injured, 2 girls suffered serious injuries.
- Authorities suspect overloading and weak construction.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the need for stricter safety checks at popular fairs.
The collapse occurred around 4 p.m. local time on Monday, January 19. According to Indian news outlet NDTV, the ride-known as the “Columbus Swing”-was a large boat-style attraction shaped like a dragon. A group of local school children had climbed onto the ride moments before it began to swing. The vehicle suddenly broke apart while in motion, sending passengers to the ground.
Video obtained by News Of Los Angeles shows the ride swinging back and forth before a loud crash. The momentum of the ride vehicle then swung out and broke the structural tower in half. Several students were seen hanging from the broken structure before climbing down.
Injuries and Immediate Response
At least 14 students were injured during the collapse. Two girls sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the local hospital for evaluation. Other riders reportedly suffered fractures and bruises, but no fatalities have been reported.
> “It looked weak even before the accident,” a resident told NDTV. “No one was checking anything. The swing just gave up.”
Police Superintendent Pratipal Singh Mahobia said preliminary findings found that some safety elements were overlooked.
> “There appear to be serious deficiencies. The material used seems weak, and overloading cannot be ruled out,” he said, per NDTV.
District collector Neha Meena ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, forming a team of engineers, police officers, and members of the electricity board to investigate the collapse. Meena did not immediately respond to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment.
Injury Breakdown
| Type of Injury | Number of Riders |
|---|---|
| Fractures | 6 |
| Bruises | 5 |
| Serious injuries (hospitalized) | 2 |
The Fair and the Ride
The Maharaj No Melo fair is an annual event that memorializes tribal saint Khumsingh Maharaj. For the past six years, the event has reportedly drawn thousands of visitors and features dozens of smaller rides and temporary shops. The Columbus Swing was one of the larger attractions, designed to give riders a dragon-shaped boat experience.
Timeline of Events
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| January 19, 4 p.m. | Ride collapsed during operation |
| January 19, after collapse | Emergency services attended; injuries assessed |
| January 19, evening | Police and district collector began preliminary investigation |
| January 22 | News Of Los Angeles published the full report |
Investigation Focus
The investigation centers on two main issues:
- Overloading – Eyewitnesses claim the ride was far exceeding its safe capacity.
- Construction quality – Superintendent Mahobia noted that the material used seemed weak.
The engineering team, part of the magisterial inquiry, will examine the ride’s design, materials, and maintenance records. They will also review whether the ride’s load limits were properly posted and enforced.
Community Impact
The incident has shaken the local community. Parents of injured children expressed shock and frustration over the lack of safety checks. The fair organizers have promised to suspend the Columbus Swing and review all attractions before resuming operations.
> “We are deeply concerned for the children and their families,” said a local school principal. “Safety should never be compromised for entertainment.”
Key Takeaways
- The Columbus Swing collapsed on January 19, injuring 14 students.
- Overloading and weak construction are suspected causes.
- A magisterial inquiry led by district collector Neha Meena has been established.
- The Maharaj No Melo fair, a major regional attraction, has suspended the ride pending safety review.
- The incident underscores the need for rigorous safety standards at fairground attractions.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
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