Social media users in Iraq circulated a video documenting the fall of a recreational ride known as "The Scissors" inside an amusement park in the Basra province during a school trip, which intensified widespread concern among parents and followers.
The video showed scenes of confusion and panic at the scene of the accident, amid conflicting reports about injuries among the students participating in the trip.
In an official explanation, the Basra Directorate of Education confirmed that no injuries were recorded due to the fall of the amusement ride inside the amusement park in the province, noting that all students were fine, and that the incident only caused a scare with no physical damage.
The directorate clarified in a statement that after direct communication with the management of Madinat Al-Mudun Intermediate School for Boys and Jalafar Amusement Park's management, it was determined that the accident was due to a minor technical malfunction during the descent of the ride, and did not result in any injuries or cases requiring hospitalization.
The directorate stressed its ongoing commitment to the safety of students during school activities and recreational trips, urging the media to be accurate and to rely on official sources before publishing news, especially those involving students, to avoid causing concern among parents and the public.
It also confirmed its continued demand for amusement places' managements to adhere to safety procedures, and called on school managements to immediately inform it of any malfunction or negligence at such sites, to take the necessary actions.
On its part, Jalafar Amusement Park's management clarified what happened to one of its rides during a school trip, confirming that the cause was a technical fault and that no injuries occurred among the students.
