This is the horrifying moment a fairground ride goes wrong and sends cars flying, seriously injuring six people.
Video footage taken at the traveling fair in La Aurora, Daule Canton, Ecuador, on the night of October 27 showed a twisting and swinging ride, commonly known as a swing carousel, packaged as it is in use.
Loud, upbeat music plays as thrill seekers sit on the ride as it swings back and forth.
But as he reaches the bottom of his swing, two of the cars carrying dozens of passengers disengage, causing them to crash into the ride’s infrastructure and sending dozens of shocked spectators running away in panic.
Footage of the aftermath showed the ride in tatters, its metal arms sheared off at protruding corners as concerned partygoers screamed to make sure their loved ones weren’t hurt.
People are seen standing next to battered barriers at the base of the ride
Video footage shows the twisting and swinging ride, commonly known as a swing carousel, unpacked as it is in use
Another video showed onlookers crowding around one of the crashed cars on the ground, shining their phone flashlights to get a better view as paramedics try to free them.
A total of ten people were injured and taken to hospital.
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Ricardo Armas said one of the mechanical arms came loose unexpectedly, causing the cars to become loose.
He added that officers on the scene had shut down the traveling fair and cordoned off the faulty ride.
According to reports, the equipment will be kept safe on site until investigations are conducted.
Fire chief Moisés Cano said six of the 10 victims suffered fractures and head trauma and were admitted to intensive care.
Aftermath images show mangled railings around the base of the ride
Organizers have promised to pay their medical bills.
Risk Management Officer Stalin Quiñónez confirmed that the attraction had all required permits and was fully functioning before the collapse.
Quiñónez said: “Unfortunately this accident happened, a very unfortunate event, but we don’t know yet what caused it.
‘The investigation will determine what happened.
“The organizers have assured us that they will cover all medical costs.”
The Public Prosecution Service is investigating the collapse.