Ride collapses at Happyland Amusement Park; five Nagercoil locals injured, one critical

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Five individuals, including two teenagers, were injured after a giant wheel ride collapsed at the Happyland Amusement Park in Vembayam on Thursday afternoon. The incident, triggered by a structural welding failure, occurred around 2:00 PM during a heavy peak-season rush.

The victims have been identified as Manorathi (54), Seemani (49), Malini (49), Shyam Daniel (14), and Rose (16)—all tourists hailing from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.

According to local authorities, the structural components and supporting iron rods of the ride snapped mid-operation, causing the occupants to plummet. A major catastrophe was narrowly averted given the ride's high passenger capacity and the large crowds present due to the ongoing school vacations.

First responders from the Venjaramoodu police department and local fire and rescue services arrived swiftly at the scene to execute rescue operations.

One of the female victims sustained critical injuries. Following preliminary stabilisation at a nearby private medical facility, she was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. The remaining four victims are currently hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries, though several have sustained bone fractures.

The Venjaramoodu police have officially launched an investigation into the incident. Investigators are currently reviewing the park's operational logs to determine if routine fitness checks and safety audits were properly conducted. Authorities confirmed that stringent legal action will be initiated if the investigation uncovers any evidence of regulatory non-compliance or criminal negligence by the amusement park management.