A dramatic scene unfolded at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Texas when a video caught the moment an amusement ride malfunctioned, leaving riders suspended in mid-air for several minutes.
One of the attendees, Akil Strawder, recounted the unnerving experience, explaining to Storyful that he and his cousins were left hanging on the ride for approximately 10 minutes. His wife, witnessing the incident in disbelief, captured the footage.
The ride in question, known as the Tango, is manufactured by the Netherlands-based company KMG Rides. According to the company’s website, the Tango is a 23-meter-high attraction that offers a thrilling experience by rotating around three different axes.
The ride features open gondolas designed to give passengers a distinctive “flying” sensation. Each of the three gondolas can hold eight people and rotates freely, enhancing the ride’s excitement.
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The video, shared on social media, shows people trapped on the ride at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, highlighting a tense moment for attendees. (@iamindy4 via Storyful)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and KMG Rides for comment.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began in 1932 as the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, created by local business people to promote the region’s cattle industry.
The first event featured livestock exhibitions and a small rodeo. After a pause during World War II, the show expanded, adding entertainment and educational programs to broaden its appeal.
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo typically occurs over 20 days between late February and mid-March at NRG Stadium, and features concerts, livestock shows and carnival activities. (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo )
The show is scheduled to return in 2027; it typically occurs over 20 days between late February and mid-March at NRG Stadium, featuring concerts, livestock shows and carnival activities.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says 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.”
A young attendee goes through an obstacle course during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
“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,” it added. “As one of the largest scholarship providers in the U.S., the Rodeo has presented more than 22,000 scholarships valued at $660 million since 1932.”
