A packed children's ride derailed with a "loud bang" at Coney Beach amusement park in Porthcawl during the school holidays, prompting a major emergency response. The Wacky Worm ride left the tracks with both adults and children aboard, sparking immediate panic among families at the popular Welsh seaside destination.
An anonymous witness described hearing the sudden bang followed by "screams" and people shouting to "get the kids off". The ride was fully loaded when it derailed, creating chaos as staff and park owners quickly responded to help people exit safely.
One older woman required a ladder to safely get down from the derailed ride. Despite the initial shock and panic, the witness said the crowd seemed to calm down after the immediate reaction.
Emergency services response
The witness chose to go on another ride initially, but emergency services arrived around 10 minutes later. The park was then evacuated approximately 10 minutes after the emergency response began.
Around 30 minutes after the incident, six police cars and vans, one fire engine, and three ambulances arrived at the scene, including a specialist emergency unit. The comprehensive response demonstrated the serious nature of the incident during peak holiday visiting times.
Emergency services worked to secure the area whilst crowds gathered near the park entrance seeking refunds. Although the witness did not personally observe injuries, she was told by another visitor that a child had been struck by part of the derailed track, though this remains unconfirmed.
Official statements issued
South Wales Police said: "Officers and other emergency services are in attendance at Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, following an accident involving one of the rides." The force asked people to avoid the area to allow emergency services access.
Coney Beach issued a statement explaining the incident involved "a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach" and that police had instructed them to clear the site for investigation. The park apologised for the disruption and promised refunds to affected guests.
The park confirmed that wristbands purchased for Wednesday evening would remain valid for the following day. Site owners communicated the refund process would begin as soon as possible during the busy school holiday period.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
