Two people killed, dozens injured as theme park ride snaps in half

Two people have been killed and dozens injured after a theme park ride in India snapped in half in mid-air, sending the 31 people on board crashing to the ground.

The incident, which was captured on film, occurred on Monday on the 'Discovery' ride at the Kankaria Adventure Park in Ahmedabad.

The 20-metre high pendulum ride suspends riders off the ground from an overhead axis attached to the main column, with riders swung back and forth while simultaneously spinning.

Shocking video captured the metal arm of the packed ride snapping mid-swing, causing the portion carrying riders to fall and crash into the main structure.

The fire department conducted “swift disaster response operations”, with officials confirming two people had died and 15 others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

Police inspector JM Solanki said the park had been evacuated and several employees from the company operating the ride had been detained.

Theme park director Ghanshyam Patel claimed the four-year-old ride was checked regularly and maintenance work was out on Monday.

“All our equipment as well as maintenance certificates, police certification, fire NOC and other documents are in order. We have had continuous inspection and clearance from the authorities for the past four years and we have submitted the same to the police,” he said, reports Ahmedabad Mirror.

“We take all possible care with rides and allow only children above 12 years of age to ride. The ride broke but we cannot say how.”