Thiruvananthapuram, 28 May (H.S.) :

At least seven people, including women and children, were injured after a cone-shaped skyride collapsed at the Happyland Water Theme & Amusement Park in Vembayam near Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday afternoon.

The accident occurred around 2 p.m., triggering panic among visitors at the crowded amusement park. Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Venjaramoodu rushed to the spot soon after the incident and coordinated rescue operations.

According to officials, the injured suffered minor injuries and fractures. They were initially taken to nearby hospitals, including Gokulam Medical College Hospital in Venjaramoodu. Those who sustained more serious injuries were later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for further treatment.

Preliminary findings suggest that the central support structure of the skyride gave way, causing the entire ride to collapse. Fire and Rescue officials said the ride had almost completed its cycle and was slowing down when the accident took place, which likely prevented a major tragedy.

“The ride had already slowed considerably as it was nearing the end of its cycle. Had the collapse occurred while it was operating at full speed, the consequences could have been far more serious,” a Fire and Rescue official said.

The ride, which can reportedly accommodate around 17 passengers, had at least 12 people onboard at the time of the collapse. One of the injured suffered a fracture to the leg, officials said.

Meanwhile, local residents and public representatives alleged serious lapses in safety standards at the amusement park. Manickal panchayat member Irshad claimed that repeated complaints regarding poor maintenance and inadequate safety inspections had been ignored by the authorities.

He alleged that the ride involved in the accident was old and poorly maintained. Irshad also criticised the park management for not having an ambulance service on the premises, forcing the injured to be transported in other available vehicles.

He further alleged that the park remained partially operational even after the accident, with some rides continuing to function until local residents intervened and demanded their closure. Residents also claimed that the park had allowed visitors beyond its permitted capacity during the holiday rush ahead of school reopening next week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman