Surajkund Fair Tragedy: Police Inspector Dies in Swing Collapse
Two accidents occurred within an hour at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to 14 others. A giant swing collapsed while in operation, and a gate had fallen earlier, raising safety concerns.
Key Highlights
- Police inspector died during a swing collapse rescue operation.
- 14 people injured in two separate accidents at the fair.
- A gate also collapsed an hour before the swing incident.
- Investigation launched into the safety lapses at the fair.
- The Surajkund Mela continued despite the tragic events.
- The deceased inspector was on duty and weeks from retirement.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana, was marred by tragedy on Saturday evening (February 7, 2026), when two separate accidents occurred within an hour, leading to the death of a police inspector and injuries to 14 people. The first incident involved the collapse of Gate Number 2 of the fairgrounds due to strong winds, which injured a man and a child. Approximately an hour later, a giant 'Tsunami' swing, carrying around 19-26 people, snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground. Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a 59-year-old officer on duty and in charge of the swing complex, tragically lost his life while bravely attempting to rescue those trapped in the collapsing ride. Witnesses reported that as rescuers, including Inspector Prasad and other civilians, tried to help people off the swing after one end broke, the other end also gave way, causing the entire structure to fall. Inspector Prasad sustained severe head and facial injuries during the rescue efforts and was declared dead at a nearby hospital. He was due to retire in March after 36 years of service and had previously been awarded the Police Medal. In the swing incident, 11 other visitors were injured, with some requiring intensive care. The accidents have raised serious questions about safety arrangements at the popular fair, which was in its 39th edition this year. Following the incidents, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Faridabad Police, and the state government ordered a probe. An FIR has been registered against the vendor responsible for the swing, identified as Mohammad Shakir, the proprietor of Himachal Fun Care. Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma assured that strict action would be taken. Despite the tragic events, the district administration confirmed that the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Festival would continue as scheduled, with the amusement ride area temporarily closed pending the investigation and safety review. The Surajkund Mela, held annually in Faridabad, is a significant cultural event showcasing handicrafts and art from various Indian states and participating countries. This year's edition, themed 'Viksit Bharat-Atmanirbhar Bharat', was inaugurated by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on January 31, 2026, and was scheduled to conclude on February 15, 2026. The reported incidents echo previous safety concerns at the Surajkund fair, with reports of a swing-related death in 2002 and another injury in 2019, which led to temporary suspensions of such rides. The investigation aims to ascertain the exact cause of the failures and review the safety protocols implemented at large public gatherings to prevent future tragedies. The fair's continuation highlights the balance authorities attempt to strike between maintaining normalcy and ensuring public safety in the aftermath of a disaster. The incident also brings to light the inherent risks associated with amusement rides at crowded public events and the critical importance of rigorous safety inspections and adherence to operational standards. The bravery of Inspector Jagdish Prasad in sacrificing his life while trying to save others has been widely commended, with his funeral being held with state honours. The total number of injured in the swing collapse varies slightly across reports, ranging from 11 to 13, with one report mentioning 19 injured in total across both incidents. However, the death of the inspector and injuries to multiple visitors are consistently reported across all credible news sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Surajkund fair accidents?
Two accidents occurred within an hour at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening, February 7, 2026. First, a gate collapsed, injuring a man and a child. Shortly after, a giant swing snapped mid-air and crashed, killing a police inspector and injuring 11 others.
Who was the police inspector who died?
The police inspector who died was Jagdish Prasad, a 59-year-old officer from Palwal Police. He was on duty at the fair and tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue people from the collapsing swing. He was due to retire in March 2026.
How many people were injured in the accidents?
In total, 14 people were injured across both incidents. The gate collapse injured two people (a man and a child), and the swing collapse injured 12 others.
What is being done in response to the accidents?
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Faridabad Police to investigate the incidents. An FIR has been registered against the swing operator, and the state government has ordered a probe into the safety lapses.