On Tuesday, October 29, shocking images went viral showing people being thrown from a mechanical ride that collapsed while in operation. The incident took place at the El Dorado Shopping Center in Daule, Ecuador. According to images circulated on social media, the mechanical ride was full at that time, which caused severe damage to its structure and led to the collapse that left several people injured.
The shocking images show visitors inside the mechanical ride at the precise moment of the accident, captured by spectators present at the scene. During the afternoon of Sunday, October 28, people were startled by a crack followed by the screams of those who were thrown from their seats by the ride's failure.
The videos shared afterward show the crowd fleeing the scene amid the confusion and panic generated by the incident. Some people lay on the ground injured, while others were trapped among the wreckage of the attraction. The extent of the injuries included fractures and limb entrapments, as seen in the images circulated online.
Authorities in safety highlighted the frequent risks posed by mechanical rides, not only in Ecuador but also in other countries like Mexico, where similar incidents have claimed human lives. In light of this, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection called on the population to ensure that mechanical rides at fairs meet necessary safety measures, as many lack regulation and emergency response systems. As an example of potential dangers, recently in Oaxaca de Juárez, the rescue of 28 people trapped in a "Ferris Wheel" that suffered a malfunction during its operation at a local fair was required.