Ferris wheel collapse in India injures five during religious festival

A ferris wheel collapsed during the Sawan Mahotsav religious festival in the Indiranagar area of Ismailganj, India, on the night of Tuesday, August 18, 2026. One of the passenger baskets detached from the approximately 15-meter-high structure while the ride was in motion, striking other moving cabins before falling to the ground.

Five people were injured in the accident. Three adults sustained superficial wounds and bruises, while two teenagers were hospitalized in serious condition. A 14-year-old suffered severe facial injuries after being struck directly by the falling basket, and a 16-year-old sustained multiple fractures to their limbs.

Witnesses reported that the ride operator failed to stop the mechanism immediately despite cries for help from the passengers. Following the incident, the operator fled the scene before being apprehended by the families of the victims.