Frozen in fear: Video captures panic as Chennai roller coaster halts mid-flight

NEW DELHI: Panic. Screams. And nearly 50 feet above the ground, a terrifying wait for rescue.A video now circulating online shows the heart-stopping moments after a roller coaster ride named "Topgun" abruptly froze mid-air at an amusement park on Chennai’s East Coast Road.Around 6pm on Monday evening, what began as a thrill turned into a three-hour ordeal for at least 30 people, including eight children and ten women, left dangling high above the ground.The video captures the chaos — people wailing, clutching their seats, calling for help.Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang moments before the ride ground to a halt. Staff tried to use a crane to reach those trapped, but it fell short.Only after a specialised sky-lift vehicle was rushed in from Guindy did the rescue effort truly begin, nearly two and a half hours later.By 8.30pm, rescue teams, led by fire officials and monitored by senior police officers began carefully lowering each rider.Emergency crews handed out water and biscuits, while medical personnel treated victims on the ground. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.But questions are mounting.Preliminary reports suggest the ride was poorly maintained, and critical mechanical issues had long been ignored. A police case has now been registered. An investigation is underway into the park’s safety protocols or the lack thereof.Outraged parents and bystanders have taken to social media, slamming the park for its inadequate emergency response and apparent absence of trained staff.