Rajkot: A family of four was left hanging nearly 100 feet above the ground on a Ferris wheel at Atal Sarovar late on Sunday night after the ride operator allegedly switched off the machine and walked away, forgetting that passengers were still onboard. The incident occurred around 10:00 pm and sparked panic among visitors and the administration.

According to the victim, he had boarded the Ferris wheel along with his wife, mother-in-law and young child. After the ride reached maximum height, the operator reportedly turned off the wheel and left the spot. The victim claimed the operator later admitted he had “forgotten” that the family was still on the ride.

The four passengers remained stuck for nearly 40 minutes. Initially, they waited, assuming the ride would resume, but when no movement occurred even after half an hour, they began shouting for help. A bystander eventually heard the screams and informed the watchman, who allegedly dismissed the concern, suggesting that maintenance crew members might be working on the structure.

With no immediate help in sight, the passengers called the police and the fire brigade. Fire department teams reached the spot quickly and rescued all four individuals safely.

The operator’s gross negligence has drawn sharp criticism, with the family alleging that such carelessness not only endangered their lives but also misdirected emergency resources. The private contractor managing the rides at Atal Sarovar terminated the operator immediately after the incident. It remains to be seen what further action the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) will take against the contractor. DeshGujarat