A terrifying malfunction occurred on Friday evening when a cable snapped mid-operation on the Steel Max slingshot ride at the popular Feria de Abril (Seville April Fair) in Spain, leaving four people injured.
The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. local time in the busy “Calle del Infierno” (Street of Hell) fairground area, which features numerous thrill rides and attractions. The Steel Max is a high-intensity slingshot-style ride that catapults a passenger capsule more than 90 meters (approximately 300 feet) into the air at high speeds before it bounces back.
According to emergency services and eyewitness accounts, one of the ride’s steel cables failed while two children were in the capsule. The capsule suddenly dropped and swung violently, smashing into a support pole before coming to a halt suspended high above the ground. Onlookers screamed in panic as the children were left visibly distressed and dangling in mid-air.
Four people were injured in total: the two children riding the attraction and two bystanders (reportedly struck by debris or from the impact).
Emergency crews from Emergencias Sevilla, including firefighters, responded quickly and safely rescued the children.
All injuries were described as mild or minor. The two children on the ride were taken to a medical center for further checks, while the other two were treated on site. All victims are stable.
The ride was immediately shut down and cordoned off. Local police and national authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure, including a review of the ride’s maintenance records and safety compliance.
