'Top Gun' Ride Malfunctions, Stranding Riders
On the evening of May 26, 2025, a routine thrill ride at VGP Universal Kingdom in Chennai, India, turned into a harrowing ordeal when the "Top Gun" ride malfunctioned, leaving 36 riders, including 15 children, suspended mid-air for nearly three hours.
What Happened?
Around 7 p.m. local time, the "Top Gun" ride — a high-thrill attraction designed to ascend vertically before plunging into a rapid descent — came to an abrupt halt at its peak, approximately 150 feet above the ground, due to a mechanical failure. Passengers reported hearing a loud mechanical jolt just before the ride stalled. The sudden stop left riders clinging to safety bars, experiencing dizziness, dehydration, and mounting panic as they awaited rescue.
Initial Rescue Attempts and Emergency Response
Park staff initially tried to perform a rescue using on-site equipment, but were unsuccessful. It wasn't until nearly 10 p.m. — almost three hours later — that local firefighters used cranes to bring the 36 trapped individuals safely back to the ground. Medical personnel provided on-site care, and fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Investigation and Park Closure
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the malfunction. Preliminary findings suggest that the ride had preexisting mechanical issues that may have been ignored by the operators. The Neelankarai police have issued a notice to the amusement park's administrative manager, demanding safety records and maintenance documentation.
In addition, a joint inspection by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services will determine if the park meets the required safety standards. Until then, VGP Universal Kingdom remains temporarily shut, and legal action may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and distress. Some passengers reportedly used their phones to post pleas for help on social media platforms, as they waited for hours in the air. Videos and photos quickly spread online, raising public alarm and scrutiny over amusement park safety standards in the region.
Many have criticized the park's initial delay in calling for emergency services, and reports from local media suggest that the ride had been flagged for issues before.
What This Means for Park Safety
The "Top Gun" ride malfunction at VGP Universal Kingdom has sparked a nationwide conversation about amusement park safety in India. The incident — marked by a terrifying three-hour ordeal for dozens of passengers — underscores the need for rigorous maintenance, accountability, and swift response mechanisms to protect the public. As the investigation unfolds, both government authorities and the amusement industry will face increased pressure to prevent such breakdowns in the future.
References: Amusement Park Ride Malfunction Leaves Over 30 People Stuck in Mid-Air for 3 Hours | Chennai's VGP amusement park shut temporarily after ride malfunction, told to submit records
