01-08-2025
Saudi Arabia: Taif Governor Orders Urgent Investigation After Amusement Park Ride Collapse Injures 23
The governor of Saudi Arabia's Taif region has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the collapse of an amusement park ride that left 23 people injured, three of whom critically, at a popular resort in the Al Hada district on Wednesday evening, the Al Riyadh Arabic language newspaper reported.
In a statement posted on X, the Taif governorate said that Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz chaired an emergency meeting with all relevant authorities, directing officials to submit the findings of the investigation without delay.
Prince Saud pledged accountability and ordered a strict safety review of Green Mountain Park in the Hada area as he visited the injured in hospital and emphasised the need to enforce strict safety standards across the city's tourist and recreational facilities.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred while the ride was in motion, carrying several visitors – including young women – when it suddenly gave way. Emergency teams from the Red Crescent and Civil Defence were on the scene within minutes, treating some victims at the site and transferring others to nearby hospitals. No fatalities have been reported so far.
In the immediate aftermath, the governor ordered the closure of the resort where the incident occurred and launched a full inquiry into the causes of the collapse, pledging that those responsible for any negligence will be held to account.
Authorities said the investigation will focus on maintenance procedures, compliance with safety regulations, and oversight mechanisms for amusement rides in the Al Hada mountain resort area.
