Faridabad, February 7: A tragic incident occurred at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana on Saturday evening, when a swing collapsed, injuring nearly a dozen people, according to police reports.
The swing broke around 7 PM while approximately 15 individuals were riding it. Authorities indicated that the collapse was likely due to a mechanical failure.
Witnesses and rescue personnel reported that one person, identified as Inspector Jagdish Prasad from Palwal, has died, although this has not been officially confirmed.
A visitor recounted, “The swing fell with a loud crash, raising a cloud of dust, and people panicked, thinking it was a terrorist attack.”
Following the incident, the entire fairground was evacuated. District Magistrate Ayush Sinha arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operation and instructed that the injured be transported to the hospital.
District officials, police, and the Managing Director of the Tourism Department also assisted in the rescue efforts.
An official stated that an investigation into the incident has been ordered.
Earlier on Saturday, strong winds caused a gate near Entrance Number 2 to collapse, injuring one person who was subsequently taken to BK Hospital for treatment.
The fair commenced on January 31 and will continue until February 15.
At the inauguration, Haryana Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma described the event not just as a fair but as a “craft festival,” which has already generated significant interest among the public prior to its official start.
Last year, 44 countries participated in the fair, but this year, over 50 nations are involved.
So far, around 700 participants have arrived, and it is expected that attendance will exceed last year’s figure of 1.5 to 1.6 million.