Two teenagers injured after amusement park ride failure in New Mexico

On the evening of Friday, July 24, 2026, an accident occurred at the Western Playland amusement park in Sunland Park, New Mexico, involving a ride known as the Southwest Slinger. A cable on the attraction snapped while the capsule, carrying two teenagers, was mid-air, causing the capsule to collide with a metal support structure. Video footage of the incident shows the moment the equipment failed, leaving the occupants suspended in the air until emergency responders could safely evacuate them.

While one report indicated that the victims were transported to a hospital for medical treatment, the Sunland Park Fire Department later clarified that both teenagers were examined on-site and sustained only minor injuries, ultimately declining transport to a medical facility. The park management confirmed the event and stated that the Southwest Slinger ride has been closed indefinitely for a thorough mechanical inspection and investigation into the cause of the failure.