A tragic accident took place late Saturday night at Luna Park in Cap d'Agde, Hérault, due to a malfunction in one of the park's rides.

Early reports from franceinfo on Sunday morning indicated that two individuals were aboard the ride when a component of the slingshot ride unexpectedly failed. The exact cause of the malfunction remains uncertain.

Tragically, a 17-year-old male succumbed to his injuries and could not be revived. Another passenger, a 19-year-old female, sustained multiple injuries and was immediately transported to Montpellier hospital. As of Sunday morning, she is reported to be in stable condition and out of immediate danger.

The slingshot ride, a popular attraction at many fairs and amusement parks, catapults thrill-seekers into the air using a combination of powerful springs and elastic cords. Passengers are strapped into a capsule positioned between two tall towers, then launched vertically at high speeds, experiencing rapid acceleration and a sensation of weightlessness before descending back to the ground.

Investigators are exploring various possibilities as to the cause of the accident, including the theory that a strong gust of wind might have hit the ride's structure, causing the victims to collide with one of the towering 60-metre-high pillars to which the elastic cords are attached.

The ride has since been shut down and is currently sealed off for further investigation.