What malfunction occurred with the Big Pendulum ride in Riyadh?

The Big Pendulum ride in Riyadh experienced a significant malfunction when it snapped in two. This type of mechanical failure is particularly severe as it compromises the structural integrity of the ride, posing serious risks to the safety of riders. When a ride snaps, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including potential injury to passengers and damage to the ride itself. Such incidents emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for amusement rides to prevent malfunction and ensure the well-being of all users.

While other scenarios such as a fire, abrupt cessation, or flipping over could indicate serious issues, they do not carry the same level of mechanical failure risk as snapping in two, which directly points to a breakdown in the physical structure of the ride.