A dragon-shaped "Columbus Swing" ride collapsed at the Maharaj No Melo fair in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, on Jan. 19, injuring at least 14 students. Video shows a support tower fracturing as the ride swung, sending passengers to the ground. Two girls suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized; others reportedly sustained fractures and bruises. Officials have launched a magisterial inquiry with engineers, police and electricity board members to investigate safety lapses and possible overloading.
Video Shows Dragon-Shaped 'Columbus Swing' Collapse at Madhya Pradesh Fair — At Least 14 Students Injured
NewsflareThe fairground ride swings before collapsing.
A dragon-shaped, boat-style fairground ride known locally as the "Columbus Swing" collapsed at the Maharaj No Melo fair in Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday, Jan. 19, injuring at least 14 students, local reports say.
Video Captures Moment a Support Tower Fails
Footage obtained by PEOPLE and circulated by local outlets shows the swinging attraction moving back and forth before a loud crash. The momentum appears to have caused one of the ride's support towers to snap in half, sending the ride vehicle and several passengers to the ground.
Injuries and Eyewitness Accounts
According to NDTV, at least 14 students were injured in the accident. Two girls sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation; others reportedly suffered fractures and bruises. No fatalities have been reported.
“It looked weak even before the accident. No one was checking anything. The swing just gave up,”
Eyewitnesses at the scene alleged the ride was dangerously overloaded and appeared structurally weak prior to the collapse.
NewsflareThe fairground ride collapses in half.
Officials Launch Inquiry
Superintendent of Police Pratipal Singh Mahobia said preliminary examinations indicate safety lapses. "There appear to be serious deficiencies. The material used seems weak, and overloading cannot be ruled out," he told NDTV. District Collector Neha Meena ordered a magisterial inquiry and formed a team of engineers, police officers and members of the electricity board to investigate the causes of the failure.
The ride was part of the annual Maharaj No Melo fair, held in memory of the tribal saint Khumsingh Maharaj. For the past six years the event has drawn thousands of visitors and features several temporary rides and stalls.
What Happens Next
Authorities are investigating the ride's construction, maintenance records and whether safety checks or loading limits were ignored. Local officials have not yet released final findings; the magisterial inquiry team is expected to provide a report after technical inspections and interviews.
Sources: NDTV, PEOPLE, local eyewitness reports.
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