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Prince Turki bin Talal, the Emir of Asir, visited injured victims from the Abha amusement ride collapse at a local hospital on Monday to assess their medical treatment and offer wishes for a swift recovery. The emir reviewed conditions firsthand during the stop, according to statements from the Asir governorate. He used the occasion to underline that authorities would pursue a thorough probe into the festival incident without exception for any lapses uncovered.
The Asir governorate said in a statement that the emir stressed human safety constitutes a red line across Saudi Arabia. Protecting lives represents a core responsibility that permits no complacency, Prince Turki bin Talal added. All appropriate steps will follow the investigation’s conclusions, the governorate reported him stating during the July 6 visit.
An electric ride malfunctioned and collapsed while operating at the Abha Shopping Festival several days earlier, the Asir governorate reported via its official channels. Saudi television channel Al Ekhbariya placed the toll at 23 injured with no fatalities recorded and noted that three victims had already been discharged after treatment. Emergency teams reached the scene immediately upon notification, providing on-site care before transferring affected individuals to medical facilities.
Investigations continue to establish the precise technical and regulatory factors behind the collapse, the Asir governorate said in its initial public statement. Legal procedures are underway to examine every aspect of the ride’s operation and compliance standards at the summer festival venue. The governorate urged residents to draw information solely from verified official updates and to refrain from spreading unconfirmed details that could interfere with the active review.
The incident occurred amid Asir’s active summer programming, which Prince Turki bin Talal had formally launched earlier in the season as part of broader national efforts to expand domestic tourism and entertainment options. Such festivals typically draw large crowds to the mountainous region for family-oriented attractions and cultural events. Officials have repeatedly highlighted the need for stringent safety protocols at these venues to support sustainable growth in the leisure sector.
Prince Turki bin Talal’s hospital visit and public comments align with a pattern of direct royal engagement in major regional incidents, reinforcing oversight of public safety across Asir province. The governorate’s statement following the accident emphasized that competent authorities had activated all response mechanisms without delay. No further updates on individual victim statuses were released in the immediate aftermath of the emir’s Monday tour.
