Karbala authorities shut down all amusement parks after ride collapse injures seven

KARBALA — Seven people were injured Friday when a ride collapsed at Moonlight Amusement Park in central Karbala, according to the city’s health department. Officials said five of the injured have been discharged, while two remain under medical care.

Salim Kazem, media director for the Karbala Health Department, told 964media that the accident involved “four women, two children, and a young man.”

“They are all receiving treatment at the emergency department of Hussein Medical City, and their condition is stable,” he said. “One of the women suffered fractures.”

Kazem confirmed that five of the injured have been released, while two are still being treated.

Esraa Nasrawi, a member of the Karbala provincial council, said the cause of the malfunction remains unknown.

“A ride collapsed at Moonlight Amusement Park, and we don’t yet know why,” she told 964media.

She added that civil defense officials inspected the park on March 13 to review safety certifications for the rides.

“For now, Moonlight Amusement Park has been shut down until the investigation is complete,” she said. “A decision has also been made to close all amusement parks in the governorate until they obtain safety certifications from the Civil Defense Directorate.”