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Surajkund Mela Accident: Police Inspector Killed, 13 Injured in Swing Collapse
What began as a festive weekend evening at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela turned into a scene of panic and grief on Saturday after a high-thrill amusement ride collapsed, killing a Haryana Police inspector and injuring at least 13 others. The incident has cast a shadow over one of the country’s most celebrated cultural festivals and sparked urgent questions about safety oversight at large public events.
The accident occurred around 6 pm, at peak visiting hours, when the mela grounds were crowded with families, tourists, and foreign delegates. Witnesses said the ride malfunctioned suddenly, leaving no time for riders or officials to react. Within minutes, the sounds of music and celebration gave way to screams, confusion, and a frantic rescue effort.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to officials, the accident involved a “top spin” or “Tsunami” ride—an adult amusement attraction designed to swing riders in a pendulum motion while rotating at high speed. The ride was carrying 26 people when one of its arms reportedly came loose mid-operation. The structure tilted violently before one end crashed to the ground with force, throwing passengers off balance and trapping several inside the ride.
Amid the chaos, Inspector Jagdish Prasad, the area in-charge deployed for security at the mela, rushed toward the ride to help with evacuation. During the rescue attempt, the opposite end of the swing collapsed, striking him. He suffered critical head injuries and was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Inspector Prasad, who was posted in Palwal district, was on special duty at the Surajkund Mela due to the heavy weekend crowd. Colleagues described him as an experienced officer who acted instinctively to help civilians despite the danger.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha confirmed that 13 people were injured in the incident. Nine were shifted to a private hospital, while four others were admitted to the Civil Hospital. Most of the injured sustained fractures, head injuries, or trauma caused by the sudden impact and fall.
Emergency services and police personnel at the venue cordoned off the area immediately, while festival authorities halted operations of nearby rides. Ambulances stationed at the mela were pressed into service, and additional medical teams were called in to manage the situation.
Questions Over Safety Checks
Officials said that amusement rides at the mela undergo daily inspections by a designated committee. However, the incident has raised doubts about whether checks were adequate or whether safety protocols were compromised. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the vendor operating the ride, and the equipment has been sealed for technical examination.
Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma, who visited the accident site later in the evening, said a thorough investigation had been ordered. In a statement shared on social media, he assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible and that the injured were receiving the best possible medical care.
Chief Minister Nayab Saini also expressed condolences over the inspector’s death and said the state government was committed to providing all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.
A Festival Overshadowed
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, now in its 39th edition, was inaugurated on January 31 by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. Since its inception in 1987, the festival has grown into a global platform for traditional crafts, drawing artisans and visitors from across India and abroad. This year’s edition features participation from over 50 countries, with Egypt as the partner nation.
Saturday’s tragedy has, however, shifted attention from cultural celebration to public safety. As investigations begin, the incident is likely to prompt tighter scrutiny of amusement rides and safety arrangements at large-scale public events across state.
