Thirteen children and one adult have been injured after a rollercoaster reportedly derailed at Coney Beach Pleasure Park on Wednesday evening.
Emergency services rushed to the seaside attraction at around 5:50pm following an incident involving the Wacky Worm ride. Witnesses described scenes of panic as riders – many of them children – were helped to safety, with several appearing bloodied and distressed.
South Wales Police confirmed that the injuries sustained were minor, although some victims required hospital treatment. The cause of the incident is under investigation by officers and health and safety inspectors, with the park set to remain closed on Thursday.
A police spokesperson said:
“At this time we have confirmed that 13 children and one adult have sustained minor injuries. Some of these have required hospital treatment. Please continue to avoid the area to allow Emergency Services access.”
The Wacky Worm, described by the park as “the perfect first thrill ride for the kids,” is a small family rollercoaster popular with younger visitors.
In a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said:
“Due to an incident on a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach, we were instructed by the police to clear the site for further investigation. We apologise for the disruption and will be providing refunds to affected guests as soon as possible.”
The accident comes just days after a separate fairground ride malfunction at Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, Cornwall, left riders suspended upside down for around 20 minutes.
