A DAD helplessly watched as a seaside fair ride derailed leaving his three kids trapped and injured onboard.
Witnesses reported a “loud bang” before they heard “screams” and people shouting to “get the kids off”.
WNSPictures show adults helping children off the ride after it ‘derailed’[/caption]
WNS13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries in the accident[/caption]
WNSOne of the cars on the ride appeared to be suspended in the air, off the tracks[/caption]
Over a dozen children were left with injuries at Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl, Wales, yesterday evening after the ride derailed.
Matthew Baker, 44, was on a family day out when his four-year-old son wanted to go on the Wacky Worm ride.
He described how there was a “jaunting, jiggling noise” after the ride completed one lap.
The ride then suddenly stopped and lifted the train off the rails completely before crashing back down and bouncing up again.
Matthew claims that a section of the security fencing flew off and nearly hit his partner following the impact.
After witnessing the horror, Matthew and two other men rushed to the ride and “ripped” at the gate to reach those still on board.
“My four-year-old had a busted lip – there was a lot of blood – and he has bruises on his body,” Matthew told WalesOnline.
“My 15-year-old hurt her left knee, and my 13-year-old daughter, who was sitting behind them, hit her chin so hard her jaw is swollen and she’s badly bruised around the ribs.”
He added: “Physically, there was nothing major,” Matthew said. “But mentally, it’s difficult.”
Emergency services raced to the scene after witnesses reported seeing the Wacky Worm ride derail shortly before 6pm.
The ride – described by the amusement park’s website as “the perfect first thrill ride for kids” – had a number of children on it when it suddenly derailed.
South Wales Police confirmed that 13 children and one adult were injured as a result, with some needing hospital treatment.
Footage circulating on social media shows adults helping the children off the ride.
Witnesses also reported seeing seeing children bloodied after the derailment.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said yesterday: “Officers were called to Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend at around 5:50pm this evening following an accident involving one of the rides.
“At this time we have confirmed that 13 children and one adult have sustained minor injuries.
“Some of these have required hospital treatment.
“The amusement park will remain closed tomorrow while officers and health and safety personnel carry out their investigation.
“Please continue to avoid the area to allow Emergency Services access.”
Coney Beach Pleasure Park said in a statement that it was instructed by police to clear the site after an accident on a “third party ride” not owned by the park.
The park apologised for the disruption and confirmed it will provide refunds to affected customers as soon as possible.
A statement added: “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. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly.
“We thank you for your cooperation.”
WNSThe cause of the reported derailment is not yet known[/caption]
WNSEmergency services raced to the amusement park at around 6pm yesterday evening[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
