A giant swing collapsed at the Surajkund fairgrounds in Haryana on Saturday evening, killing Inspector Jagdish Prasad and injuring 13 people.
About 19 visitors were riding the swing when it snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground.
Prasad, 58, served as the security in charge of the swing complex. He rushed to rescue trapped riders but sustained fatal injuries. He joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and was set to retire in March after 36 years of service. The Haryana governor awarded him the Police Medal in 2019-20.
The accident occurred around 6 pm, just an hour after Gate Number 2 of the fairgrounds collapsed, injuring two people. Shopkeepers and policemen nearby helped evacuate victims, who were taken to BK Hospital. Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma confirmed that the injured are now out of danger.
Officials registered a case against the swing vendor. A committee led by the additional deputy commissioner will investigate the accident. Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal announced Rs 1 crore compensation for Prasad’s family and a government job for one member. He declared Prasad a martyr, praising his sacrifice.
Prasad leaves behind his wife Sudha, two daughters Nidhi and Deepti, and son Gaurav. His family, living in Sonipat Police Lines, and his native village in Mathura district mourn his sudden demise.
This marks the third swing-related accident at the Surajkund fair, raising questions about safety standards. A fatality occurred in 2002, followed by an injury in 2019. Despite strict rules requiring daily inspections, Saturday’s tragedy has reignited concerns about negligence and oversight.
