This is the horrifying moment a carnival ride malfunctions and sends cars flying, leaving six people seriously injured.
Video footage taken at the traveling fair in La Aurora, Cantón Daule, Ecuador, on the night of October 27, showed a spinning and swinging attraction, commonly known as a swing carousel, packed up while in use.
Loud, upbeat music can be heard as thrill seekers sit on the ride as it rocks back and forth.
But as it reaches the bottom of its swing, two of the cars carrying dozens of passengers uncouple, crashing them into the attraction’s infrastructure and sending dozens of horrified spectators running in panic.
Later images showed the attraction in tatters, with metal arms severed at protruding angles as worried revelers screamed to make sure their loved ones were not hurt.
People are seen next to knocked down barriers at the base of the attraction.
Video footage shows the swinging and spinning attraction, commonly known as a spinning carousel, packed up while in use.
Another video showed onlookers crowded around one of the crashed cars on the ground, shining flashlights on their phones to get a better look as paramedics tried to free them.
A total of ten people were injured and taken to hospital.
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Ricardo Armas said one of the mechanical arms came loose unexpectedly, causing the cars to become detached.
He added that the agents who were at the scene closed the traveling fair and cordoned off the damaged attraction.
The team will reportedly remain secure at the scene until investigations are carried out.
Fire Department Chief Moisés Cano said six of the 10 victims suffered fractures and head trauma and were hospitalized in intensive care.
Later images show destroyed railings around the base of the attraction.
The organizers have promised to cover his medical bills.
Risk Management official Stalin Quiñónez confirmed that the attraction had all the required permits and was fully operational before the collapse.
Quiñónez said: ‘Unfortunately this mishap occurred, a very unfortunate event, but we still do not know what caused it.
‘Investigations will be able to determine what happened.
“The organizers have assured us that they will cover all medical expenses.”
The Public Ministry is investigating the collapse.