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Haryana CM Grieves as Surajkund Mela Swing Collapse Kills One, Injures Dozens

A tragic accident occurred at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad when a Tsunami swing collapsed due to a suspected mechanical fault. The incident resulted in one fatality, identified as Inspector Jagdish Prasad, and left nearly a dozen others injured, with one in serious condition. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed grief and assured all possible assistance, while District Magistrate Ayush Sinha led the immediate rescue operations and evacuation of the fairground. Authorities have ordered a probe into the incident, which also caused panic and a stampede among visitors.

Key Points: Surajkund Mela Swing Collapse: 1 Dead, Dozens Injured in Faridabad

  • Swing collapse at Surajkund Mela
  • One fatality, dozens injured
  • Mechanical fault suspected
  • Probe ordered into incident
  • Mela evacuated, rescue ops led by DM
2 min read

Haryana CM expresses grief over Surajkund incident

A Tsunami swing collapse at Surajkund Mela in Faridabad results in one death and multiple injuries. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini expresses grief.

"The swing broke and fell on the ground with a loud thud... triggering a stampede as visitors mistook it to be a terror strike. - A visitor"

New Delhi/Chandigarh, Feb 7 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday expressed grief over the accident during the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad in which a dozen people were injured.

"I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the person who lost their life in this incident. At the same time, necessary directions have been issued to the concerned authorities for the appropriate and immediate treatment of the injured individuals," Saini wrote on X.

"The Haryana government is fully committed, with utmost promptness and sensitivity, to providing all possible assistance to the injured and their families," the CM said.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Haryana Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said, "There were 13 people sitting on one side and 13 on the other. This is a very tragic incident. The Chief Minister, district administration, police, and mela authorities extend their condolences to the families. Unfortunately, one person has died in this incident..."

Nearly a dozen people were wounded, one of them seriously, when a Tsunami swing collapsed at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana's Faridabad on Saturday evening, the police said.

The swing broke due to an alleged mechanical fault around 7 p.m. when nearly 15 patrons were riding it, the police added.

Bystanders and rescue workers claimed that one person, identified as Inspector Jagdish Prasad from Palwal, lost his life in the incident.

"The swing broke and fell on the ground with a loud thud, kicking up a cloud of dust, triggering a stampede as visitors mistook it to be a terror strike," a visitor said.

Soon after the swing collapsed, the entire Mela ground was evacuated, and District Magistrate Ayush Sinha led the rescue operations with other agencies and oversaw the shifting of the injured to the hospital.

Officials of the district administration, police and the managing director of the tourism department also joined the rescue operations.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, an official said.

Earlier on Saturday, strong winds brought down a gate structure near entrance number 2, injuring a visitor who was rushed to B.K. Hospital for treatment.

The Mela, which was inaugurated on January 31, will run until February 15.

Last year, the mela saw participation from 44 countries, but this year, the event has surpassed expectations with more than 50 countries taking part.

Nearly 700 participants have already arrived, and the footfall is anticipated to exceed the 15 to 16 lakh mark witnessed in previous editions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
First the gate collapses, then a swing? This points to serious negligence in safety checks. Surajkund Mela is an international event showcasing our culture. Such incidents tarnish our image. The probe must be swift and the findings made public. Accountability is key.
A
Aman W
The CM's statement is appropriate, but condolences after the fact are not enough. We need proactive safety measures. These rides are operated by private contractors who often cut corners. The government must enforce stricter regulations and frequent, surprise inspections.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from the UK, I was at the mela earlier in the day. The atmosphere was wonderful. To hear this news is devastating. The panic and stampede mentioned show how trauma compounds tragedy. Hope the injured recover fully and the families get strong support.
V
Vikram M
"Tsunami" swing living up to its name in the worst way possible. So sad. The fact that people thought it was a terror strike shows the underlying anxiety in public spaces nowadays. Authorities handled the evacuation well, but prevention is what we need. Jai Hind.
K
Kriti O
While the government's response seems prompt, I respectfully disagree with focusing only on treatment after. The article says a probe is ordered. We hear this every time. When will we see actual results and stricter punishment for those responsible? Our lives are not cheap.
N

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