Hussein Hazzazi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Three girls aged between 12 - 19 were seriously injured following a drastic fall from Al-Okhtabout (The Octopus) ride in a recreation park in northern Jeddah Wednesday. According to onlookers and visitors who were waiting in queue for their turn said that the accident happened when one of the cars of the ride got detached. The incident comes to light at a time when the Civil Defense Administration had warned all recreational parks, especially during Eid, to comply with all their safety and security rules and regulations; and if found guilty the parks would be closed and a fine oscillating between SR5,000 — SR30,000 would be imposed. Lt. Col. Saeed Sarhan Al-Ghamdi, Civil Defense spokesman said that two seriously injured girls were rushed to the King Abdulaziz Hospital in a Red Crescent air ambulance, whereas the third girl was carried in an ambulance to the King Fahd Hospital. Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Twaijri, director general of Civil Defense, said investigations have already begun with the owner of the recreation park. He further said that strict actions will be taken if prescribed rules were found to be violated. The investigation led by specialists will also investigate the reason behind the detachment of the car from The Octopus ride, apart from looking into all other important aspects. To ensure the safety of the visitors, the Safety Department of Jeddah Civil Defense has closed down all the games at the recreation park until all investigations are complete.
