2 days ago
Coney Beach Pleasure Park incident leaves Porthcawl boy 'traumatised'
A father has described hearing a "horrific bang" and "loud screams" before rushing to help injured children, including his son, get off a derailed services confirmed 13 children received minor injuries during the incident on Coney Beach Pleasure Park's Wacky Worm ride, in Porthcawl, Bridgend county, on Wednesday. John Paul Baylis, 36, from Porthcawl, said a fun family day turned into "carnage" after the incident, adding his eight-year-old son Ethan had been "traumatised" and woke up crying on a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said it was instructed by police to clear the site after the incident on a "third-party ride" not owned by the park.
South Wales Police said officers were called to the amusement park at about 17:50 BST on Wednesday following an accident on one of the Baylis said he "climbed up on to the rollercoaster" to grab Ethan when he realised something had gone wrong."As soon as I passed him to another dad I went to another cart," he said."I could see blood. The kids' screams kept ringing, it was horrific."Mr Baylis said he had to intervene as some people were stuck in their carts."There was another girl two or three carts up. She couldn't get out so I helped her as well," he added.
His son Ethan suffered a head injury and has some bruising on his head."He's traumatised bless him," said Mr Baylis."He woke up this morning crying but hopefully we can work on that going forward," he Baylis said he had also been affected by the experience."There was blood over the kids. The fear in their eyes is something that will stay with me," he said.
In a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said it was instructed by police to clear the site after the incident on a "third-party ride" not owned by the park apologised for the disruption and said on Wednesday it would provide refunds to affected customers as soon as possible.A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: "We are aware of this incident and are being supported by South Wales Police."Our inspectors are attending the site today (Thursday) to commence enquiries."
