A festive evening turned into chaos on Sunday night when a mechanical ride collapsed at the Somnath temple fair in Bilimora town of Navsari district, leaving five people injured, including two children and the ride operator.
According to officials, the Tora Tora ride, a popular swinging attraction at local fairs, suddenly broke down mid-operation, causing its cabin to crash to the ground. The impact left the operator and a woman seriously injured, while three others, including two minors, sustained bruises and fractures.
Fire department teams from Bilimora rushed to the scene and assisted in the rescue, while police cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation into possible lapses in maintenance and safety checks. The injured were taken to a private hospital in Bilimora for first aid. The ride operator, identified as Bakir (30), was later shifted to Surat for advanced treatment.
The injured have been identified as:
- Jash Rajivbhai Tandel (14), resident of Madhavbag, Bilimora
- Roshiniben Vikasbhai Patel (30), resident of Amalsad village
- Dishaben Rakeshbhai Patel (21), resident of Talavchora village
- Dirgh Hemantbhai Tandel (14), resident of Bilimora
- Bakir (approx. 30), ride operator
Police said preliminary findings suggest a mechanical fault in the ride, but a detailed inspection will be carried out by technical experts. An FIR is likely to be registered if negligence is established.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the safety of amusement rides at local fairs, where inspections are often irregular and operators rely on temporary setups.