At 8:30 p.m. on 18 August in Jia County, Henan, a pirate ship ride in Nan Street Village, Anliang Town, suddenly snapped in half while in operation. The scene was filled with screams and cries, with some passengers trapped and chaos all around.

On 19 August, staff from the Anliang Town People’s Government confirmed that the ride was damaged due to a fracture at the keel at its base. There were 21 people on board at the time, all of whom were taken to hospital for examination. Two sustained minor injuries but were not in any serious condition. “Most of them went home last night,” the official said.

The amusement ride has since been suspended, and work to determine responsibility is under way.