50-Foot Ride Collapses at Navsari Fair, Injuring 5 Including Two Children; One Critical

Tragic Incident at Bilimora Somnath Mahadev Temple Fair

A major accident occurred on the eve of the last Shravan Monday at the Somnath Mahadev Temple fair in Bilimora, Navsari district. A 50-foot-high tower ride suddenly collapsed, leaving around five of the ten people on board seriously injured. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, while the ride operator, who is in critical condition, was referred to a private hospital in Surat.

Shivam Agency Held the Ride Contract

New details have emerged regarding the incident. Permission for the fair rides had been obtained by Shivam Agency, owned by Viral Pithwa from Surendranagar. This was the agency’s first time managing rides at the Bilimora fair, securing permission for seven different rides. Following the accident, all high-risk rides at the Somnath Temple premises have been suspended.

FSL Teams from Surat and Valsad to Investigate

The Navsari district police have called in Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams from Surat and Valsad to investigate the cause. Additionally, the Navsari Entertainment Department has formed a technical committee to probe safety lapses.

Somnath Temple Trust Clarifies Its Role

The Somnath Temple Trust issued a statement clarifying that they had only rented out the ground. The responsibility for technical checks of the rides lay with the concerned authorities, and therefore the trust has no direct liability in the accident.

Ride Collapsed After Cable Snapped

The temple fair attracts lakhs of devotees throughout Shravan, offering various rides including the popular Tower Ride. On Sunday night at around 11:45 PM, the 50-foot-high iron tower ride malfunctioned. Its cable snapped while descending, causing the ride to crash at high speed, creating panic among visitors.

Five Injured, One in Critical Condition

Around 10 people were on the ride when it fell. Two women, two children, and the ride operator sustained serious injuries. They were taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment.

• Jash Rajiv Tandel (14) – Back injury
  
• Dirgh Hemant Tandel (14) – Back injury
  
• Roshni Vikas Patel (30) – Injured
  
• Disha Rakesh Patel (21) – Injured
  
• Bakil (Ride Operator) – Severe back and head injuries, referred to Surat
  

Bilimora fire brigade and police immediately rushed to the spot, assisting in rescue and transferring the injured to hospitals.

Questions Raised Over Safety Norms

The accident has sparked concerns about whether safety guidelines were followed. Typically, permissions for fairs are granted by the district collector’s office under state government SOPs. Citizens are questioning whether proper technical checks were carried out or if safety norms were overlooked. Bilimora police are recording victim statements and preparing to register an official case.

Eyewitness Accounts

• Opposition Councilor Malangbhai Koliya (Bilimora Municipality): “As it was the last Monday of Shravan, many pilgrims had gathered. While at the fire brigade post, we heard about something collapsing in the fair. We rushed to the site and shifted the injured for treatment. It appears the cable fault caused the accident. If negligence is found, strict action will be taken.”
• Rajiv Tandel (Father of Injured Children): “My son and his friends were enjoying the rides. Suddenly, one of the rides stopped midway with a loud sound and then fell straight down. My son and others were hurt. Doctors have advised rest for a few days. I believe this was an accident, not intentional negligence, but a thorough investigation is necessary.”