A man from Pune’s Bhigwan area, Tushar Dhumal, died and his friend suffered a severe head injury when their seats allegedly detached from an octopus-themed amusement ride at Sayajiraje Water Park in Solapur’s Akluj. The catastrophic failure allegedly occurred on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, while the ride was operating at high speed, causing at least two other riders to allegedly sustain injuries.
Police have registered an FIR against the park’s manager, operator, and employees for negligence, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has sparked immediate calls for stricter safety checks at amusement parks across Maharashtra.
Tragedy Strikes Sayajiraje Water Park: Ride Collapse Claims Life, Leaves Others Injured
The accident unfolded on a popular octopus ride—an attraction with eight arms, each allegedly equipped with four seats that rotate both with the arm and independently. According to police and eyewitness accounts, one of the arms allegedly broke away while the ride was spinning at maximum speed, sending the seats plummeting to the ground with the riders.
Tushar Dhumal, a 35-year-old insurance agent from Bhigwan, allegedly suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at a private hospital in Akluj. His friend, Vaibhav Rupnavar (30), allegedly sustained a severe head injury and underwent surgery. Two other individuals, including a woman, allegedly suffered minor injuries and are reportedly stable.
Police responded swiftly to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities. The deceased’s brother, Abhijeet Dhumal, filed a complaint alleging that the operator allegedly increased the ride’s speed and allegedly failed to maintain the machine properly. Authorities have registered an FIR under sections for causing death by negligence, acts endangering life or personal safety, and wrongful loss against the park’s management and staff.
Community Shock and Calls for Accountability
The incident has allegedly sent shockwaves through the local community and among tourists visiting the park, which is allegedly owned by Jaysingrao Mohite Patil, brother of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Vijaysingh Mohite Patil.
The park is a popular destination in the region, often hosting large groups for leisure trips. On the day of the accident, more than 300 agents from a Pune-based company were allegedly present at the park. Videos of the aftermath, allegedly showing distressed onlookers and family members rushing to help the victims, have allegedly gone viral on social media, intensifying public outcry over safety standards.
This tragedy is allegedly the latest in a series of accidents at amusement parks across Maharashtra, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of safety regulations and regular maintenance of rides. Authorities are now allegedly reviewing the park’s safety protocols and maintenance records as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we are deeply saddened by this preventable tragedy and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The incident highlights the urgent need for robust safety protocols, regular inspections, and stricter accountability at amusement parks to protect visitors.
We urge authorities to take swift action to enforce safety standards and ensure that recreational spaces prioritise life over thrills.
