A fairground ride turned into a terrifying ordeal after a cable snapped mid-air, leaving riders stranded hundreds of feet above the ground during a festival in southern Spain.
The incident occurred on the Seville Fair, where two children were aboard the “Steel Max” slingshot-style attraction when the malfunction happened.
A video recorded by a bystander shows the capsule violently colliding with support poles as shocked onlookers screamed in panic. The ride, which launches passengers to extreme heights at high speed, suddenly went out of control after one of its cables failed during operation.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the capsule swung erratically in the air before slamming into a structure, leaving the two young riders suspended approximately 300 feet above the ground.
Emergency services confirmed that four people sustained minor injuries, with the two children later taken to a medical centre for further evaluation. Debris from the ride reportedly fell to the ground during the incident, adding to the danger below.
Firefighters and Civil Protection teams quickly cordoned off the attraction, securing the area while rescue efforts were carried out. Local police and national authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident and are reviewing operational documents.
A spokesperson said the ride was shut down immediately after the accident, which occurred at around 8.20pm, and the surrounding area was secured to prevent further risk to festival-goers.
The “Steel Max” attraction is known for propelling riders to heights of over 300 feet at speeds reaching up to 100mph, delivering intense acceleration forces and rapid vertical drops.
Authorities are now investigating whether mechanical failure or operational issues contributed to the incident, which has raised fresh concerns over safety standards at high-intensity amusement rides.
