The tragic collapse of a giant swing ride at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana, on Saturday has once again drawn attention to the safety of amusement rides and cable cars in India.

A police inspector was killed and several others injured when the swing malfunctioned mid-operation. Authorities immediately suspended all ride operations at the mela and ordered a full inquiry.

The incident has reopened memories of several major accidents involving amusement rides and cable cars across the country over the years:

Major amusement-ride and cable-car accidents in India

Darjeeling ropeway, West Bengal (2003)

On 19 October 2003, several cable cars slipped due to a mechanical failure, killing four people and injuring several others. The ropeway was shut down for an extended period before being overhauled.

Kankaria Amusement Park, Ahmedabad (2019)

A pendulum ride collapsed on 14 July 2019 after a pipe on the main shaft broke, killing two people and injuring nearly 30 others. The ride was immediately suspended and the park ordered to undergo a safety audit.

Trikut ropeway, Deoghar, Jharkhand (2022)

Two cable cars collided mid-air on 10 April 2022, killing two people and leaving dozens stranded for hours. The state government launched an inquiry and later blacklisted the operator.

Nainital ropeway, Uttarakhand (2023)

A technical snag halted a cable car mid-route on 27 July 2023, stranding 12 passengers — including six foreign tourists. All were rescued safely and services resumed after repairs and safety inspections.

South West Delhi amusement park (2025)

On 3 April 2023, a 24-year-old woman died after falling from a roller coaster due to a seat-belt failure. The ride was shut down and police action was taken against those responsible for maintenance.

VGP Universal Kingdom, Chennai (2025)

On 28 May 2025, a thrill ride stalled mid-air, leaving at least 30 riders stranded for nearly three hours. Fire and rescue teams evacuated the passengers and the ride was closed for inspection.

Kagal fair, Kolhapur, Maharashtra (2025)

A tower ride malfunctioned on 25 October 2025, leaving 18 people stranded about 80 feet above the ground for several hours. Fire services rescued the riders safely, and authorities ordered safety checks across all fair rides.

Pavagadh hill ropeway, Gujarat (2025)

On 6 September 2025, a cable snapped on a cargo ropeway, killing six people. Police registered an accidental death case and a technical committee was formed to investigate the incident.

Jhabua fair, Madhya Pradesh (2026)

A giant swing collapsed on 19 January 2026, injuring around 14 schoolchildren. The district administration ordered a magisterial inquiry and suspended the ride.