Faridabad Fair Ride Collapse Leads to Inspector's Death, Multiple Injuries
In a tragic incident at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a giant 'Tsunami' swing ride snapped mid-air and crashed on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of an on-duty police inspector and injuries to twelve others. The accident occurred around 7 PM when approximately nineteen people were on the ride, which suddenly tilted and collapsed to the ground at the fairgrounds in Faridabad.
Police Inspector Killed While Rescuing Victims
Inspector Jagdish Prasad, aged 58, lost his life while attempting to rescue those trapped in the wreckage. A veteran officer who joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989, Prasad was scheduled to retire in March after completing thirty-six years of service. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday following a post-mortem examination. Officials praised his heroic efforts during the rescue operation.
Arrests Made as Special Investigation Team Probes Negligence
Faridabad police have arrested two individuals in connection with the accident. The arrested include Mohammad Shakir, a resident of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour district and proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, which operated the swing, and Nitesh from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, who worked under Shakir. A special investigation team (SIT) led by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Kumar has been formed to probe the incident, examining whether negligence or safety standard violations contributed to the collapse.
According to a complaint filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunny, he and Inspector Prasad were on duty when they noticed people on the ride. As it snapped, Prasad rushed to help, but the swing broke from one side and fell, causing severe injuries. The complaint alleges deliberate endangerment by the ride operators due to poor maintenance.
Injured Victims and Government Response
The twelve injured include police personnel and civilians: female Assistant Sub-Inspector Neelam, female constable Sharmila, Special Police Officer Rajesh, and civilians Harsh Prakash, Prashant, Amisha, Parvinder, Sunil, Shivani, Balbir, Anuj, and Pooja. Five have been discharged after treatment. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officials to ensure strict safety compliance at fairs and announced financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for the seriously injured.
Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for Prasad's family, a government job for a relative, and martyr status for the inspector. On Sunday, DGP Singhal and Faridabad Commissioner Satendra Kumar Gupta visited Prasad's family and the hospital to check on the injured.
Fair Continues Amid Safety Reviews
The district administration stated the fair would continue on Sunday, though the area around the swing has been cordoned off for investigation. Tourism Director Parth Gupta and Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha inspected the fairgrounds to review security arrangements. This accident followed another incident at the venue where a gate collapsed, injuring two people including a child, just an hour earlier.
Separately, the district administration has formed an inquiry committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Mela Administrator Satbir Singh. The panel includes experts from mechanical and electrical engineering to assess safety protocols and prevent future tragedies.
