Panic gripped visitors at a popular amusement park along East Coast Road in Chennai after a high-thrill ride malfunctioned on Tuesday evening, leaving 36 people, including children and women, suspended mid-air for several hours.
The incident occurred at the VGP Universal Kingdom in Injambakkam, when the roller coaster-style ride named ‘Top Gun’ came to an abrupt stop due to a technical failure. The malfunction happened around 6:50 pm, reportedly caused by a glitch in the ride’s engine. The ride, which takes passengers to a height of nearly 150 feet, left them stranded with no immediate solution in sight.
Park-goers reported that for more than three hours, the trapped individuals were left hanging, with no access to water or medical aid. Many began feeling dizzy and dehydrated, and anxiety increased as park staff initially struggled to manage the emergency. “We weren’t sure if they knew how to get us down. It took 45 minutes just to call for help,” said one of the stranded individuals.
Fire and Rescue Service Reaches the Spot Immediately
Emergency responders from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services arrived at the scene following a delay and took control of the rescue operation. District Fire Officer Loganathan stated that initial attempts to reach the trapped individuals with ladders failed due to the height. As a result, the team brought in two sky lifts to safely lower the passengers one by one.
All 36 individuals 20 men and 16 women were safely brought down by around 10 pm, with no injuries reported. Medical assistance was provided immediately after their rescue, and officials offered water and snacks to help alleviate dehydration.
A witness shared that a loud noise from the right side of the ride marked the beginning of the ordeal. Shortly after, the machine stalled mid-air. The cause was later identified as a technical problem in the engine. A video from the scene, now widely shared on social media, showed riders stuck at a considerable height, some waving and calling for help.
Video of the Incident Goes Viral
One of the rescued men shared that he used Instagram to issue an SOS, hoping someone outside would notice and alert authorities faster. His video gained traction, helping draw attention to the seriousness of the incident.
Visitors at the park criticised the lack of emergency preparedness and accused the amusement park of delaying the response. The Rs 600-per-person ride is advertised as a high-adrenaline experience but turned into a traumatic event for those involved.
The amusement park has yet to release an official statement about the incident or confirm whether the ride will remain closed for maintenance. Officials have not commented on potential legal consequences, but an investigation into the cause of the malfunction is expected to follow.
The mishap has raised concerns about the safety standards at amusement parks across the state. Experts and the public are now demanding better oversight, regular inspections, and emergency training for amusement park staff to prevent such terrifying situations in the future.
