Odisha Bali Jatra Scare: 8 People Rescued After Being Trapped on 30-Foot-High Swing for Nearly 2 Hours

Ride Comes to Sudden Halt Mid-Air

According to eyewitnesses, the vertical swing — one of the popular attractions at the fairgrounds — abruptly stopped mid-rotation, leaving riders suspended at a height of approximately 30 feet.

Fairgoers reported hearing mechanical grinding noises moments before the swing halted.

“As soon as the machine jerked, the seats froze in the air. The riders were visibly panicked, especially the younger ones,” said a witness who was near the amusement zone when the incident occurred.

Rescue Operation Lasts Nearly Two Hours

Fire services personnel, local police and Bali Jatra organisers responded within minutes, but the height and positioning of the swing made the rescue challenging.

Steps involved in the operation:

·         Power to the ride was disconnected to prevent sudden movement

·         A hydraulic ladder was brought in to reach the stranded riders

·         Safety harnesses were used to secure each person individually

·         Riders were evacuated seat-by-seat to ensure stability

All eight individuals were brought down safely, with medical teams conducting preliminary checks immediately after the rescue.
No major injuries were reported, though several individuals experienced dizziness and anxiety.

Officials Order Immediate Inspection of Amusement Rides

Following the incident, authorities ordered a thorough inspection of all amusement rides operating at Bali Jatra.

A senior official from the Cuttack administration stated:

“We have asked organisers to shut down the ride temporarily. A technical inspection is underway to determine whether mechanical failure or negligence caused the malfunction.”

The inspection drive will cover:

·         Mechanical integrity of rides

·         Licensing and safety certification

·         Operator training

·         Adherence to daily inspection protocols

Officials say strict action will be taken if lapses are found.

Organisers Face Questions Over Crowd Safety

Bali Jatra, which attracts lakhs of visitors every year, has long been under pressure to tighten safety norms due to the massive scale of footfall, especially in the evenings.

This year’s edition saw expanded amusement activities, but Thursday’s incident triggered criticism on social media, with festival-goers demanding:

·         Mandatory third-party safety audits

·         Clear safety signage and supervision

·         Emergency response booths near all rides

·         Public display of certification documents for amusement machines

Many visitors expressed relief that the incident did not escalate into a major accident.

Riders Describe Terrifying Experience

One of the rescued individuals said the two-hour ordeal felt “never-ending”.

“We were stuck high in the air. Some of us tried not to panic but seeing the ground so far below made it very frightening. The rescue team did an excellent job,” the rider shared after the evacuation.

Authorities Urge Caution as Festival Continues

Despite the incident, Bali Jatra remains open to the public with heightened vigilance across the fairgrounds.
Officials have urged visitors to follow safety instructions, report any malfunctioning rides and avoid overcrowded amusement zones.