TERRIFYING footage has captured the moment a swinging amusement park ride collapsed in half – leaving 23 people injured.

At least three people remain critically injured after the horrific accident took place in Saudi Arabia.

The Ride was in operation and was packed with visitors when it broke in two halves at a park in the Al Hada district of Taif, a popular mountain resort city in western Saudi Arabia.

A cracking sound was heard signalling the disaster.

Eyewitnesses said the ride’s pole “recoiled at high speed”.

Riders seated as it fell were hurt, but the safety harnesses mainly held.

The wounded were given first aid and were then treated at the hospital.

Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia has launched a probe into the horror.

The area around the ride remained cordoned off while investigators continued their work.

It is understood that operations in the theme park have been temporarily suspended.