A tragic accident at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad claimed the life of a police officer and left at least 13 people injured on Saturday evening, creating panic at one of Haryana’s most visited cultural events. The mishap occurred after a swing collapsed at the fairgrounds, followed earlier in the day by the collapse of Gate No. 2, raising serious concerns about safety arrangements at the venue.
The deceased was identified as Inspector Jagdish Kumar, 58, of Palwal Police. He was deployed on fair duty and posted at the police lines in Palwal. Officials said the officer sustained critical injuries during the incident and later died while undergoing treatment. His death has sent shockwaves through the police department and the local administration.
According to police officials, the swing accident took place around 6 pm when nearly 15 people were on the ride. The structure reportedly collapsed without warning, causing several visitors to fall and triggering chaos among the crowd. A child and a police personnel were among those injured in the incident.
During the rescue operation, a stall operator identified as Raghav was also injured after being hit by a swing grill, which struck his shoulder. Emergency teams rushed to the spot as fair officials and police worked together to control the situation and evacuate the injured.
Earlier, at around 5 pm, Gate No. 2 of the fairgrounds had suddenly collapsed, injuring two people. The injured were identified as Sumit Malhotra, a resident of Sector 28, and a minor child. Both were rushed to a hospital for treatment. The back-to-back incidents heightened fear among visitors and led to temporary disruptions at the fair.
Senior district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha and Haryana Tourism Managing Director Parth Gupta, reached the site soon after receiving information. Authorities ensured immediate medical assistance, with nine injured persons taken to a nearby private hospital and four others admitted to BK Civil Hospital.
Confirming the incidents, the Deputy Commissioner said all injured persons were being treated and were out of danger. He added that a detailed investigation had been ordered and strict action would be taken against those found responsible. An FIR will also be registered to fix accountability.
The Surajkund International Crafts Fair, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, now faces intense scrutiny over safety measures, particularly the maintenance of amusement rides and temporary structures. The tragic loss of a police officer on duty has cast a shadow over the ongoing event and renewed calls for stricter safety checks to prevent such incidents in the future.