Carousel stoppage at Avtozavodskiy Park — an incident that occurred on 31 August 2026 in Nizhny Novgorod, when a new ride at the Retropark entertainment complex suddenly ceased operation during a session with passengers on board.

Circumstances of the incident

A 20-metre chain carousel at the Retropark entertainment complex on the grounds of Avtozavodsky Park began operating on 1 August 2026.[3] On 31 August 2026, less than a month after opening, the ride stopped during a session.[1] According to eyewitnesses, the carousel was initially running normally, then abruptly lifted its passengers upward and lowered them approximately five metres, after which it became suspended.[1] Those on the ride were left hanging in the air for around five minutes.[1]

Cause and response of staff

The Municipal Autonomous Cultural Institution "Directorate of Parks and Squares of Nizhny Novgorod" (MAUK «Direktsiya parkov i skverov Nizhnego Novgoroda») reported that the stoppage was caused by a brief voltage fluctuation that triggered the residual-current circuit breaker.[3] Park staff followed established procedures: the carousel was manually returned to the boarding position, after which visitors were able to safely disembark.[2] The directorate emphasized that the installed safety systems functioned as designed and that personnel carried out all required actions in accordance with regulations.[3] After the equipment was reset, it resumed normal operation.[2] Ticket payments were refunded to passengers.[1]

Prosecutor's Office inspection

The Prosecutor's Office of Avtozavodsky District, with the involvement of specialists, launched an inspection into compliance with legislation in the provision of services to park visitors.[2][5] Based on the results of the inspection, the supervisory authority intends to consider taking prosecutorial measures if appropriate grounds are found.[2]

Sources

  1. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Cause of the carousel stoppage with passengers at Avtozavodskiy Park named
  2. Newsroom24 — New 20-metre carousel became stuck with passengers at Avtozavodskiy Park
  3. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Prosecutor's Office launches inspection following carousel incident at Avtозавод
  4. Zhivyom v Nizhnem — Prosecutor's Office to inspect carousel incident at Avtozavodskiy Park — Zhivyom v Nizhnem
  5. NN.RU