Eleven people were injured after a fairground ride suddenly plummeted with screaming thrill-seekers on board.
Shocking footage shows the tower ride’s gondolas dropping without warning as a loud crunching noise rings out.
Experts believe the accident may have been caused by two support cables snapping on Sunday (19 April).
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Police say riders – including children and teenagers – fell from a height of around 2m (7ft).
Jeniffer Ferreira, 26, had been filming the ride at Park Las Vegas in Guaíba, Brazil, when the terrifying incident unfolded, as reported by Need To Know.
She had been on the attraction with her boyfriend when it malfunctioned.
Jeniffer suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital before later being discharged.
Her 28-year-old boyfriend was less fortunate, suffering a fractured vertebra and being transferred to a hospital in nearby Porto Alegre.
All 11 victims received medical treatment and had been discharged by Monday (20 April).
The fairground, which opened on 14 March and was due to run until Sunday (26 April), was shut down shortly after the incident.
Fire crews sealed off the site as investigations got under way.
Forensic engineer Valmor Gomes de Oliveira said: “As it was going up, it had already started its first rotation. During the ascent, it then fell.
“But we still need to investigate to confirm exactly what happened. For that, we’re gathering all possible evidence.”
Detective Karoline Calegari added: “From examining the equipment, we can see that it was in a very poor condition and lacked some of the required documentation.
“For example, there should be daily inspections and maintenance of the equipment.”
Park Las Vegas said in a statement: “operates in compliance with all applicable safety standards and regulations”.
The company added: “We are fully cooperating with the authorities to verify the circumstances of the incident.”
Guaíba City Hall said: “The incident involved 11 people, including four adults and seven children, who received immediate assistance from emergency services and were taken by SAMU to the Emergency Department at Nelson Cornetet Hospital.
“No serious injuries were reported.”
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