Gujarat : 5 injured as Tower Ride Collapses at Billimora Somnath Temple Fair

Navsari | Gujarat — In a horrifying accident on the eve of the last Monday of Shravan, a 50-foot-tall tower ride suddenly collapsed at the bustling fair in the Somnath Mahadev Temple complex in Billimora, Navsari, leaving five people seriously injured. Among the injured are two children, two women, and the ride operator, who is in critical condition and has been shifted to a private hospital in Surat.

The accident took place around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night when over ten people were enjoying the adventure ride. Witnesses said the ride, which operates by pulling passengers up a tall iron tower before dropping them at high speed, suddenly malfunctioned and came crashing down.

Chaos at the Fairground

Panic spread across the fairground as the ride fell with a loud crash. Local police, Bilimora fire brigade, and bystanders immediately rushed to the spot and began rescuing the injured. Fire personnel arranged for ambulances and shifted the victims to Bilimora hospital for emergency treatment.

Among those seriously injured are 14-year-old Jash Rajiv Tandel, 14-year-old Dirgh Hemant Tandel, 30-year-old Roshni Vikas Patel, and 21-year-old Disha Rakesh Patel, all of whom sustained waist injuries. The ride operator, identified as Bakil, suffered injuries to his head and spine and was referred to Surat for advanced care.

Rajeev Tandel, father of one of the injured children, recalled the terrifying moments: “My son and his friends were on the ride when it suddenly stopped midway. Within seconds, there was a loud sound, and the entire ride dropped. We rushed them to the hospital. Thankfully, the doctors said they will recover, but it could have been worse.”

Questions Over Safety Compliance

The incident has raised serious concerns about whether safety protocols and state SOPs were followed before allowing the rides to operate. Shivam Agency, run by Viral Peethwa from Surendranagar, had been given permission for seven rides at the fair. This was reportedly the agency’s first time operating at Bilimora.

Speaking about the collapse, Peethwa said, “I have been informed about the incident and am on my way to Navsari. The cable did not break but slipped, which might have led to the fall. In my career, this is the first such case. A full inquiry will be conducted.”

Provincial Officer Mitesh Patel, who visited the site, said, “All dangerous rides have been suspended until further notice. Action will be taken after the FSL report is received.”

The Navsari district police have formed a DySP-led investigation team. Forensic experts from Surat and Valsad have been called in to conduct a technical probe, while the entertainment department has set up a special committee to examine compliance.

Meanwhile, the Somnath Temple Trust clarified that it had merely rented out the ground and was not responsible for technical verification of the rides.

Opposition municipal worker Malangbhai Koliya stated, “The fair attracts lakhs of devotees on Shravan Mondays. This incident is a wake-up call. If negligence is found, strict action must be taken against those responsible.”