Panic and chaos broke out at the Bhainsaha (Chait Barni) Mela in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, after a 60-foot swing ride collapsed while in operation late Wednesday. At least 30 people were injured, including women and children.
Uttar Pradesh fair incident: Injury 30
Eyewitnesses reported that the swing was overcrowded with nearly 80 riders. It managed to complete two rounds before alarming creaking noises were heard. Even though people raised concerns, the operator chose to keep the ride going.
In an instant, a disaster occurred. The swing came loose from its base and crashed down, throwing riders into the air and trapping several underneath the twisted metal.
Rescue operations starts
Rescue operations began right away, with police and locals rushing to help. It took almost an hour to free those trapped. Six ambulances were deployed to take the injured to nearby hospitals, and more than 10 critically hurt victims were sent to a district medical college. Two children remain in serious condition.
The Bhainsaha Mela takes place every year along the Narayani River by a Durga temple during Chaitra Purnima. It draws large crowds from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal. Officials acknowledged that this year’s turnout far exceeded what they expected.
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