Surajkund Fair Swing Malfunction Leaves IIT-Delhi Student in ICU, Injures Multiple Rescuers
A day of fun at the Surajkund fair in Faridabad turned into a nightmare on Saturday when a giant swing malfunctioned, collapsing in stages and causing severe injuries to over a dozen people, including a 21-year-old IIT-Delhi student who is now fighting for his life in intensive care.
Prashant's Harrowing Ordeal
Prashant, a third-year BTech student at IIT-Delhi and a resident of Dholpur in Rajasthan, was seated on the swing with his friend Prateek when disaster struck. Prateek, also an IIT-Delhi student, had opted not to board the ride due to unease about its movements. The incident began when a key component on the left side of the swing detached, causing the structure to tilt and partially collapse. Initially, Prashant escaped with minor injuries and remained conscious. However, during rescue efforts, another section of the swing broke off and struck him on the head, exacerbating his condition.
He is currently under observation in the ICU, having suffered head injuries, spinal trauma, and received 12 stitches on his head. Doctors are conducting MRI scans to assess possible pelvic injuries, according to his relative Rohitash, a compounder at a private hospital in Gurgaon. Prashant's father, an assistant sub-inspector with the Rajasthan Police's crime branch, rushed to Faridabad with family members early Sunday morning.
Brave Rescuers Caught in Second Collapse
In a tragic twist, most of the injured were not riders but rescuers who rushed to help when the swing first failed. Witnesses and visitors reported that the second collapse occurred as people climbed the damaged structure to free trapped individuals, leading to multiple casualties.
Abrar Ali, a 26-year-old state-level boxer from Tughlakabad in Delhi who runs a biscuit and VR goggles stall at the fair, described climbing up after hearing screams. "I saw people screaming. So, I just threw my things aside and climbed up. I managed to pull seven to eight people out," he said. Abrar, the sole breadwinner for his family, suffered leg and shoulder injuries when a railing section gave way. He also expressed sorrow over the death of an assistant sub-inspector he knew, who used to visit his stall.
Sunil, a 22-year-old toll tax booth worker from Sohna, ran towards the ride upon hearing cries for help. "I was climbing up to cut seatbelts and pull people out," he recounted, a day after being discharged from the hospital. He was among seven or eight people trapped under metal when the other side of the swing collapsed during the rescue.
Police and Vendors Among the Injured
Rajesh Kumar, a special officer posted at SGM Nagar police station, was assisting in the evacuation when the second collapse occurred. "The swing had already tilted. While we were pulling people out, a heavy metal railing came crashing down," he said, suffering multiple rib fractures after the swing hit a cash counter and fell on him.
Balbir Singh, a 48-year-old vendor selling chole bhature at the fair, suffered a triple fracture to his arm and is scheduled for surgery. "There were people stuck in the air. I climbed up the ladder to help and was standing next to the ASI (who died) when the main pillar swung and crushed my arm," he explained.
Anuj, a 19-year-old helper at a stall, was also injured in the chaos. "I was walking back to my stall with a carton of water bottles. A crowd that was rushing towards the exit hit me, and I fell on the ground. Later, I was taken to the hospital and given treatment," he said.
Safety Concerns at Public Events
This incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols at large public gatherings like the Surajkund fair. With over a dozen people injured, including critical cases like Prashant, authorities are likely to face scrutiny over ride inspections and emergency response measures. The bravery of rescuers highlights the community spirit but also underscores the risks involved when structures fail unexpectedly.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the recovery of those affected and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.
