Child dies, eleven hurt as swing snaps in Abbottabad public park

ABBOTTABAD: One child was killed and eleven others were injured on Friday when a swing snapped in a public park in Abbottabad, ARY News reported.

The injured, including women and children, were taken to Ayub Medical Complex and Benazir Shaheed Hospital for medical treatment. Three of the injured are reported to be in a serious condition.

One of the injured narrating the tragic incident said the accident occurred when the swing suddenly picked up speed midway and fell down completely.

“After the first round, the speed was increased. Then it suddenly kept on rising. The balance was out and the entire (swing) boat went down,” he said. “Those who were sitting in the middle were also struck by the swing.”

The public park has been sealed after the incident. Station commander Brigadier Faisal and executive officer Sufi Shah Mansoor reached the site of the incident and ordered to close the park.

DSP Cantt. Ishtiaq Khan said that the incident occurred due to a technical error in the swing machine. He said the injured have been provided medical aid.

“A fault occurred, and the (swing) train came off track. It suddenly came down causing injuries to those on the swing,” he said adding the twelve people were initially injured while one expired.

The swings at the cantonment public park were installed over three years ago, and the park administration was responsible for their upkeep and maintenance.

DSP Cantt. said that further investigation is underway, while statements of the injured are being recorded, after which a case will be lodged and action were taken against those responsible.