Terrifying footage of a freefall-style fairground ride malfunctioning and plunging 50 feet to the ground in India has gone viral.

According to local reports, the incident took place at around 9.15 pm in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, a city in the Mohali district of Punjab, on Sunday 4 September 2022. With over 50 people on board, including adults and children, the high-rise swing can first be seen spinning and ascending up a vertical tower in the shocking video.

The ride then stops at a height and continues spinning, but instead of descending slowly, it smashes 50 feet to the floor with a loud thud. At this point, the impact throws passengers into the air from their seats as the ride collides and bounces on its base platform.

Onlookers, including the ride operator, can then be seen fleeing the area with hands over their ears as horrific screams engulf the footage. According to eyewitnesses, at least 10 people suffered back and jaw injuries, and were shifted to a civil hospital following the incident.

Live Visual of swing breaking in #Mohali phase 8, Many people got injured. Around 16 women & kids were hospitalised after the incident. pic.twitter.com/bay5IfzHLB

— Nikhil Choudhary (@NikhilCh_) September 4, 2022

Business Standard noted that the organisers of the carnival had permission to host the event till 4 September—but a board notifying the extension of the deadline was put up on the spot which mentioned 11 September as the final date.

“What we have come to know so far is that they had the permission to organise the show. However, no one would be spared if there is a mistake committed on their part. Strict action will be taken according to the law,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsimran Singh Bal told the publication.

Doctor Subhash also mentioned that passengers admitted to the civil hospital “were not in serious condition.”

However, locals who were present at the scene claim that no safety measures were taken by organisers of the fair. “Their private bouncers came nearly 20 minutes late. There was a lady who was their head. She said that nobody is dead,” a fairground goer said. “Who will take responsibility for the incident? How is this business running without the availability of any medical aid? There were no safety measures taken. No big official reached the spot.”

A second local also alleged that the management “suppressed the public.”

“Two children fainted after the incident. A lady [from the management team] said that there has not been any loss of life,” they added. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.