SEVILLE, Spain — A terrifying malfunction on a high-speed amusement ride at one of Spain’s most famous festivals sent four people to the hospital, including two children, after a support cable snapped mid-ride, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred on the evening of April 24, 2026, at the Feria de Abril, a week-long celebration in Seville known for its vibrant street parties, traditional flamenco performances, and adrenaline-pumping attractions. The ride in question, a slingshot-style attraction called Steel Max, catapults thrill-seekers dozens of feet into the air before rapidly lowering them back to the ground.
According to witnesses and early reports, the ride’s capsule—holding two young passengers—was launched at high speed when one of its support cables suddenly failed. The capsule veered out of control, slamming into a support pole before swinging wildly from side to side. Screams erupted from the crowd as the capsule dangled precariously, held aloft by only a single remaining cable.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, located in the festival’s “Calle del Infierno” (Street of Hell) section—a popular area packed with extreme rides and attractions. Firefighters worked to free the trapped passengers, who were later transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities confirmed that the two children sustained minor injuries, though the condition of the other two riders remains unclear.
The incident has raised concerns about ride safety at large-scale festivals, where temporary attractions are often assembled and disassembled quickly. While no official cause for the cable failure has been released, the Spanish Civil Guard has launched an investigation into the ride’s maintenance and inspection records.
The Feria de Abril, which draws millions of visitors each year, is one of Spain’s most iconic cultural events. This year’s festival, which began on April 20, has otherwise proceeded without major incidents, though the ride malfunction has cast a shadow over the celebrations.
Amusement ride accidents, though rare, have drawn increased scrutiny in recent years as thrill-seeking attractions grow more extreme. In 2023, a similar incident in the U.S. Left multiple riders injured when a cable failed on a slingshot ride at a state fair. Safety advocates have long called for stricter oversight of temporary amusement installations, particularly at festivals where rides operate for only a few days.
For now, festival organizers have temporarily closed the Steel Max ride pending a full safety inspection. No further details about the investigation or the victims’ conditions have been released.
