SOLAPUR, June 19 — A 35-year-old man from Pune’s Bhigwan area lost his life and his friend sustained a critical head injury after a mechanical failure on an octopus-themed amusement ride at Sayajiraje Park in Akluj, Solapur district, on Wednesday.
According to Akluj police, the incident occurred when one of the rotating arms of the octopus ride broke off while the machine was operating at full speed. The octopus ride, designed with eight tentacle-like arms, each equipped with four independently rotating seats, experienced a sudden structural failure, sending one section of riders crashing to the ground.
Eyewitness footage captured by a tourist shows chaos in the immediate aftermath, with shocked onlookers and distressed family members rushing to help the victims. Emergency responders transported the injured to a private hospital in Akluj, where one of the men was declared dead on arrival.
The deceased has been identified as Tushar Dhumal, who died of severe head trauma. The second victim, 30-year-old Vaibhav Rupnavar, underwent surgery for a serious head injury and remains under medical care.
Dhumal’s brother, Abhijeet Dhumal, filed a formal complaint at the Akluj police station, alleging negligence on the part of the ride operator and park management. According to the complaint, the ride was reportedly operated at excessive speed and had not been properly maintained, directly contributing to the fatal accident.
Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered against the manager, operator, and staff of Sayajiraje Park under Indian Penal Code sections 106(1) (causing death by negligence), 125(A) (acts endangering life or personal safety), 125(B) (negligent act causing grievous hurt), and 3(5) (act causing wrongful loss to others).
Assistant Inspector Vikram Salunkhe of the Akluj police stated, “A detailed investigation will be conducted. The family is in deep mourning. Tushar Dhumal succumbed to a serious head injury, and Vaibhav Rupnavar is currently undergoing treatment after a critical operation.”
According to officials, Dhumal, who worked as an insurance agent, was visiting the amusement park with three friends. All four had taken seats on the same arm of the octopus ride.
Sayajiraje Park, a prominent recreational destination in the region, features various water rides, adventure activities, and amusement attractions. The park’s website promotes the octopus ride as an “intense, thrilling experience” with eight arms designed to rotate at high speed.
Authorities have not commented on whether the park will remain open during the investigation.
