Tragedy struck the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening when a high-speed pendulum swing, locally known as the “Tsunami ride,” collapsed mid-air.
The incident claimed the life of Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a decorated officer who died heroically while attempting to rescue trapped visitors. At least 13 others, including two women constables, sustained injuries in the malfunction that occurred during the fair’s peak weekend hours.
The accident took place around 6:15 PM when the swing, carrying approximately 26 people, suddenly came unhinged at one end. As the ride tilted dangerously and left passengers hanging mid-air, Inspector Prasad—the security in-charge of the amusement zone—immediately rushed to the structure to pull victims to safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the structure gave way completely while the rescue was underway. A heavy portion of the ride struck the Inspector in the face and head, causing fatal injuries. He was declared brought dead at the hospital.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad (59), a native of Mathura, was a veteran of the Haryana Police with 36 years of service. A recipient of the President’s Police Medal for his bravery and integrity, he was just two months away from his scheduled retirement in March 2026. He is survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters.
Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the martyr’s family, praising him for upholding the “highest traditions of police service.”
This was the second mishap at the fairgrounds that day; just an hour earlier, a designer gate at Entrance No. 2 collapsed due to strong winds, injuring a visitor and a child.
Current Status of the Probe:
- FIR Registered: Police have filed a case against the ride operator (a vendor based in Himachal Pradesh) for negligence.
- Inquiry Committee: A high-level committee led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) has been formed to investigate mechanical or electrical failure.
- Amusement Zone Sealed: All rides at the Mela have been suspended pending a rigorous safety audit by experts.