A video has surfaced showing people suspended in mid-air for several minutes due to a ride malfunction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Texas.
Attendee Akil Strawder shared with Storyful that he and his cousins were left hanging on the ride, while his wife captured the moment in shock.
According to a spokesperson for the event, the Tango ride was briefly halted on March 21 because of a generator issue. The delay was resolved within 2–3 minutes, allowing the ride to safely finish its cycle.
“No injuries were reported, and the ride continued to operate smoothly for the rest of the Rodeo,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The spokesperson emphasized, “The safety of our guests at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is our top priority. Our long-standing midway partner, Ray Cammack Shows, has been a leader in the industry since 1994 with a commendable safety record.”
Each ride receives a permit from the Texas Department of Insurance and undergoes inspections by third-party experts, including Coulter & Associates, before opening and through random checks during the event. Ray Cammack Shows also conducts thorough pre-event and daily inspections led by trained supervisors certified through national safety organizations, the spokesperson added.
The Tango ride, sold by Netherlands-based KMG Rides, is described on its website as a 23-meter-high attraction that rotates around three different axes during operation.
“The open gondolas provide passengers with a unique ‘flying’ experience,” the description continues. “There are three gondolas, each accommodating eight people, which rotate freely during the ride.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, initially known as the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, was established in 1932 by local business people to boost the region’s cattle industry.
The inaugural event showcased livestock exhibitions and a small rodeo. After a pause during World War II, the show expanded to include entertainment and educational programs to increase its appeal.
The show is set to return in 2027 and typically spans 20 days from late February to mid-March at NRG Stadium, featuring concerts, livestock shows, and carnival activities.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo states on its website that its mission is to promote “agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community.”
“Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began, more than $660 million has been committed to the youth of Texas and education. Each year, more than 800 scholarships are awarded to Texas students by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” the organization adds. “As one of the largest scholarship providers in the US, the Rodeo has presented more than 22,000 scholarships valued at $660 million since 1932.”
