Saturday marks one grim week since a giant swinging amusement ride collapsed at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad, killing an on-duty police inspector and injuring 12 visitors.
Seven days have not erased the horror of the video showing the swing collapse. The police inspector was trying to rescue those on that swing, but debris collapsed on him, and he was killed due to head injuries.
The video taken by an onlooker shows the ride operating at high speed when one side of its supporting pillars suddenly collapses, causing the entire structure to tilt and crash to the ground.
After the incident, some were detained, and an investigation was initiated. These fairs need to be checked on all safety parameters beforehand. Rides need to be structurally sound, operators well trained, and all eventualities like fire and evacuation measures in case of any disaster in place. Those who green-light these carnivals must have a strict pre-check list.
We see so many fairs across, especially this season, when it is pleasant to be outdoors. Fairs, carnivals, and adventure rides need to be planned to the minutest detail before being green-flagged.
Signs cautioning people if warnings are needed or certain rides are contraindicated for certain people. Each fair must have dedicated, trained rescue teams in case anything goes wrong. This is akin to lifeguards on a beach. These teams must be equipped with tools to effect a rescue. Let us make pre-permission safety tests absolutely stringent, with a committee giving the go-ahead to organisers only if they tick all the boxes.