Faridabad Fair Tragedy: Ride Owner and Supplier Arrested After Fatal Swing Collapse
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, the owner of a Himachal Pradesh-based company and the supplier of amusement equipment were arrested on Sunday, just one day after a high-speed "tsunami" swing came crashing down at the Surajkund fair in Faridabad. The catastrophic failure resulted in the death of a police inspector during a heroic rescue attempt and left more than a dozen visitors injured.
Multiple Probes Launched into Safety Lapses
The swift police action followed the immediate launch of multiple investigations into how the amusement ride failed despite explicit orders for mandatory daily inspections. Those arrested have been identified as Mohammad Shakir, the proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, whose license was utilized in the bid process to install the rides at the fair, and Nitesh, the provider of the swings at the venue. Officials have indicated that more individuals could be questioned as authorities meticulously examine potential lapses in installation, maintenance, inspection protocols, and operational supervision.
An FIR has been officially registered against both individuals at the Surajkund police station under provisions related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence causing death. To ensure a thorough investigation, a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted under the leadership of DCP (crime) Mukesh Malhotra. Police have confirmed that the SIT will conduct a scientific examination of mechanical parts recovered from the accident site and rigorously check technical compliance records and certification documents.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The devastating crash occurred around 6:15 PM on Saturday within the amusement zone of the fair. Officials reported that the ride was carrying 18 passengers when it suffered a sudden and catastrophic structural breakdown. Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that one side of a critical shaft rod snapped during operation, causing the rotating structure to tilt violently before collapsing with riders still trapped inside.
Assistant sub-inspector Jagdish Pradhan Prasad, who was deployed as the duty in-charge of the amusement zone, demonstrated immense bravery by running towards the malfunctioning ride moments after the failure to assist trapped passengers. During the rescue effort, he was struck on the head and face by falling components and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Tragically, he was merely about two months away from his scheduled retirement.
Scrutiny of Safety Inspection Framework
The incident has sharply brought into focus the inspection framework that was specifically designed to govern ride safety at the fair. According to official statements, an electrical and mechanical committee was tasked with conducting daily inspections of all amusement rides and submitting detailed reports to the deputy commissioner's office.
"The 9-member panel included executive engineers from the electrical inspectorate and Public Works Department (PWD), the fire officer of Faridabad, HSVP electrical engineers, Haryana state transport mechanical in-charge, and other technical personnel," an official elaborated. The collapse, despite these stringent directions, has raised serious questions over whether the safety checks were conducted rigorously or merely reduced to perfunctory paperwork.
High-Level Inquiry Committee Established
In response to the tragedy, the Haryana government and district administration have established a high-level inquiry committee to conduct a detailed technical investigation. The panel, led by additional deputy commissioner and fair administrator Satbir Mann, will meticulously examine the sequence of events, including safety clearances, inspection records, procurement procedures, and vendor selection processes.
Officials have clarified that the committee will assess the ride's structural stability, adherence to technical standards, electrical systems, safety arrangements, approval procedures, and maintenance practices. "The panel will conduct an in-depth inquiry into possible technical faults and compliance with safety norms, after which it will submit a detailed report to the competent authority. Based on its findings, strict legal and administrative action is expected against any individuals or agencies found responsible," an official stated.
Mann emphasized that the inquiry would scrutinize inspection reports and certification processes as well. "Responsibility will be fixed wherever negligence is found, and recommendations will be made to prevent such incidents in the future," he affirmed.
Administrative Response and Compensation
Deputy commissioner Ayush Sinha declared, "Every aspect, from vendor selection and procurement to inspection compliance, is being scrutinized. Strict action will follow if lapses are established." He added that the report from the inquiry committee is anticipated within 2 to 3 days.
In a gesture of support, the state government announced a job for one eligible family member of ASI Prasad, who lost his life while courageously rescuing visitors. Additionally, compensation of Rs 1 lakh has been announced for those who suffered grievous injuries in the accident.
Officials confirmed that 12 people are currently undergoing medical treatment, including ASI Neelam and constable Sharmila, while five others have been discharged from the hospital. As a precautionary measure, the entire amusement zone has been sealed, and all rides have been suspended indefinitely pending further investigation.
