Steel Max ride malfunction at Seville Feria in Seville, Spain injures children after cable snaps mid-air

A terrifying malfunction at one of Spain’s biggest festivals has left two children injured after a high-speed fairground ride failed mid-air, sending a capsule careering into its own structure.

The incident unfolded on Friday night at the annual Seville Feria, where the Steel Max ride — a slingshot-style attraction designed to launch riders hundreds of feet into the air — suddenly broke down during operation.

Witness footage captured the moment the capsule, carrying two children, swung violently out of control after a cable snapped, slamming into nearby support poles as horrified onlookers screamed from below.

The pair had been strapped into the ride moments earlier and launched skyward at high speed as part of the attraction, which propels riders more than 91 meters into the air.

But as the capsule rebounded and began another ascent, the ride malfunctioned, triggering chaos mid-flight. Debris from the damaged structure reportedly fell to the ground, leaving two additional people injured.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and secured the area as stunned crowds looked on, The Sun reported.

A Spanish emergency response spokesperson said, “Firefighters have cordoned off the Steel Max attraction after an accident that occurred during its operation at 8.20pm. Four people were slightly injured and treated on site although the two on the ride were later taken to a medical center. The area was secured after the rescue with the help of Civil Protection workers. Local police immediately carried out an inspection of documentation and National Police are taking charge of the investigation.”

The ride, located in a section of the fair ominously known as “Calle del Infierno”, or Street of Hell, is designed to deliver extreme acceleration and intense forces using elastic cables. It remains unclear what caused the failure, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

The Seville Feria, a major week-long festival dating back to the 19th century, draws huge crowds each year with its mix of traditional celebrations and large-scale amusement attractions.