Six people have been left in a critical condition after two cars detached from a pendulum fairground ride.
Ten thrillseekers were injured in total, with six left in a life-threatening condition.
Two cars came away from the main structure.
One flew onto the ground several feet away with the passengers still strapped in their seats.
The other crashed to the ground on the other side.
Witnesses said blood splatters were visible on the crashed gondolas.
Video footage shows the moment the cars fly off the mechanical arm and smash to the ground as onlookers scream in shock.
The terrifying scenes were filmed at a travelling funfair in La Aurora, Daule Canton, Ecuador, on the night of 27 October.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Armas said one of the mechanical arms unexpectedly came loose, causing the cars to detach.
He added that officers on the scene closed down the travelling fair and cordoned off the faulty ride.
The equipment will be kept safe on site until investigations are carried out.
Fire Department chief Moisés Cano said six of the 10 victims suffered fractures and head trauma and have been hospitalised in intensive care.
The organisers have vowed to cover their medical bills.
Risk Management official Stalin Quiñónez confirmed that the attraction had all the required permits and was in full working order prior to the collapse.
Quiñónez said: ‘Unfortunately this mishap occurred, a very unfortunate event, but we do not know what caused it yet.
‘The investigations will be able to determine what happened.
‘The organisers have assured us they will cover all the medical expenses.’
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the collapse.
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