A tragic incident at Sayajiraje Water Park in Akluj, Solapur, Maharashtra, has resulted in the death of a 38-year-old man and injuries to two others after an amusement ride malfunctioned on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The deceased has been identified as Tushar Dhumal, a resident of Takrarwadi in Indapur taluka.

According to reports, Dhumal was on a rotating swing ride, often described as an "octopus ride" due to its multiple rotating arms, when a critical failure occurred. One of the arms, equipped with four seats, detached from the main structure while the ride was operating at full speed. The seat platform plummeted to the ground with significant force. Dhumal sustained severe head injuries in the fall and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

The incident also left two others injured. Vaibhav Solankar from Baramati and a woman are currently receiving medical care. Their conditions have been reported as stable.

Eyewitness accounts and a video of the aftermath, which has circulated widely on social media, depict a chaotic scene as park attendees, including what appeared to be family members, rushed to help those who had fallen. The video captures the broken ride and the distressed reactions of bystanders.

Authorities, including the Akluj police, promptly arrived at the scene to begin investigations. An FIR has been registered against the park's manager, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the ride failure. Preliminary inquiries will focus on safety protocols, maintenance records, and potential negligence.

Tushar Dhumal is survived by his wife, two children, a brother, and his parents. His sudden death has cast a pall of gloom over his hometown. Reports indicate that Dhumal was part of a group of over 300 agents from a Pune-based company named 'My Life,' who were visiting the park for a leisure outing after achieving their sales targets.

The Sayajiraje Water Park is a popular recreational destination in the Solapur district, attracting tourists from the surrounding areas, especially during holidays. The accident has understandably triggered widespread panic and concern among park visitors and the local community.

Assistant Inspector Vikram Salunkhe of the Akluj police station stated that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted based on the complaint filed. The injured man, Vaibhav Rupnavar (30), underwent surgery for a serious head injury.

This incident raises serious questions about the safety and maintenance standards of amusement park rides in Maharashtra and throughout India. Authorities are expected to review existing regulations and conduct safety audits of similar parks to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ownership of the water park is reportedly linked to Jaysingrao Mohite Patil, brother of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Vijaysingh Mohite Patil, which may bring additional scrutiny to the investigation.