Swing breaks and fell at Jhabua’s fair:Children jumped to safety; 14 injured, two critical

A swing ride snapped and crashed to the ground, injuring 14 students at a local fair in Jhabua on Monday. Two girls sustained serious injuries and are under close medical observation. Accident at ‘Maharaj No Melo’ dair The incident took place around 4 pm on Monday at the Utkrisht Maidan, where the annual ‘Maharaj No Melo’ fair is underway. Fourteen students—13 girls and one boy from an Excellence School—were riding a boat-shaped swing when it suddenly broke into two parts and collapsed. A video of the accident has surfaced, showing students hanging from the broken swing and jumping down in an attempt to save themselves moments before it hit the ground. Four pictures of the accident… Overloading suspected as cause Eyewitnesses alleged that the swing was overloaded beyond its permitted capacity, which may have caused the structure to fail. Police, Administration team rush to spot Upon receiving information, Superintendent of Police Dr. Shivdayal Singh, along with teams from the police and revenue departments, reached the site and began an investigation into the fair’s safety arrangements. Collector assures strict action District Collector Neha Meena said that two injured girls have suffered more severe injuries and are being kept under observation, with ICU admission planned if required. She added that an inquiry team has been sent to the site and details are being sought from the technical team that approved the swing. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the accident,” she said. Fair held annually for six years According to local residents, Maharaj No Melo has been organized in Jhabua for the past six years, running from January 1 to January 20. The fair is organized by Hindu groups in memory of the late tribal saint Khumsingh Maharaj. The fair features more than five large rides, around 25 smaller swings, and several shops. Safety lapses at such a large public event have now raised serious concerns among residents and authorities alike.