Latest news with #KieranRoche
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Everything we know as 14 injured on fairground ride at Coney Beach Pleasure Park
Everything we know as 14 injured on fairground ride at Coney Beach Pleasure Park This is everything we know There have been several injuries, says witness (Image: Kieran Roche) 14 people have been injured, including one adult and 13 children, after a ride derailed at Porthcawl's Coney Beach Pleasure Park on Wednesday. Seven of those injured have been hospitalised for further treatment. The ride involved was the park's Wacky Worm ride, which is described as a "small introductory roller coaster" on the Coney Beach Pleasure Park website. The videos circulating on social media show the front carriage of this ride hanging off the rollercoaster's tracks, with adults helping bloodied and bruised children down to safety. Emergency services including police, fire and ambulance were called to the scene. One mother said a metal railing fell on to her son's pram while she heard children "screaming" and "crying out" after a cart on the ride left the track. Rebecca Eccleston, 22, from Llantwit Major, was at the amusement park with her son and a big group of friends when the incident happened. Rebecca told BBC Wales: "It was all fine and the kids were enjoying themselves then all of a sudden there was a massive bang." Article continues below "I turned and the metal railing had fallen on to my right shoulder and my pram." Rebecca's one-year-old son Theo, who was in the pram, came out of the incident with a few bruises. A witness' account of what happened A father of three has recalled the terrifying moment he watched the Wacky Worm ride at Coney Beach Amusement Park "completely lift off the rail" - with his three children on board. Matthew Baker, 44, had travelled from Port Talbot to Porthcawl with his partner and children on Wednesday, August 13, expecting a fun family day out. The family arrived at the busy funfair at around 5.15pm and were walking through the park when the Wacky Worm ride caught the attention of Matthew's four-year-old son. "My youngest is autistic and non-verbal," Matthew explained. "So it's difficult to know what he's interested in. When he showed excitement toward the ride, my teenage daughters offered to take him on." Promoted on the amusement park's website as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids" and "a small introductory roller coaster that will get them screaming," the Wacky Worm is designed to appeal to young children. Parents reacted quickly to the incident (Image: Kieran Roche) However, instead of a smooth, fun experience, Matthew said the ride had completed just one lap when a sudden "jaunting, jiggling" noise was heard. Moments later, it came to an abrupt halt before the back end of the train lifted completely off the rails, crashing down with such force that it bounced back up. The impact was so powerful, Matthew claims, that a section of the security fencing surrounding the ride flew off - narrowly missing his partner, whom he pushed out of the way. In what he described as "chaotic" scenes, Matthew and another man ran toward the ride, shouting at the stunned operator to open the gate. When there was no immediate response, a third man joined them, and together they "ripped" at the gate and "dived" to reach those still on board. 'My 15-year-old daughter was sitting next to my son," Matthew said. "She must've realised something was wrong, because she had wrapped her arms around him and shielded him from further injury." "My four-year-old had a busted lip - there was a lot of blood - and he has bruises on his body. 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," Matthew said. He added: "Beyond the physical injuries, all three of them are really shaken up. It's especially hard for my son, as I said, he's non-verbal - we can't know for sure if anything else is wrong." In the minutes that followed the derailment, Matthew claimed staff members approached the ride to collect information from those involved, before reattaching the fallen fencing. Roughly ten minutes after the incident, emergency services arrived, and shortly after that, visitors were told to leave the park. "When police got there, people were shouting, 'You need to close this place down,'" Matthew recalled. "It was all a bit of a blur. People were demanding refunds, refusing to leave. There was a lot going on." Another witness, who asked to remain anonymous, was at the site with family. She said the situation began with a 'loud bang' followed by 'screams' and the immediate sound of people shouting to 'get the kids off'. She said the ride was fully loaded with both adults and children when it derailed. Staff and owners of the park quickly responded to the situation, helping people off the ride, with one of the last individuals to be assisted being an older woman who required a ladder to safely exit the ride. Despite the initial shock and panic the witness described how the crowd seemed to calm down after the immediate reaction. The park was then evacuated. Around 30 minutes after the incident the woman reported seeing six police cars and vans, one fire engine, and three ambulances on the scene including a special units ambulance. Though the woman, who lives in Porthcawl, said she did not observe any injuries personally, she said had been told by another visitor, that a child was struck by part of the derailed track. This has not yet been confirmed by officials. As emergency services worked to secure the area crowds of people gathered near the park's entrance seeking refunds. The witness said site owners communicated wristbands purchased for Wednesday evening would remain valid until the following day. Reported accident at Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl (Image: Gemma Stanish) South Wales Police's latest update Police have now confirmed 13 children and one adult received minor injuries and seven of those affected were taken to hospital. A spokesman for South Wales Police said on Wednesday night: "Officers were called to Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, at around 5.50pm on Wednesday 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 on August 14 while officers and health and safety personnel carry out their investigation. "Please continue to avoid the area to allow emergency services access." Coney Beach's response Following the incident, Coney Beach have issued an official statement to their social media, which reads: "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. Article continues below "We thank you for your cooperation." Coney Beach Pleasure Park will remain closed on Thursday as police continue their investigation work.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Dad describes terrifying scenes as fairground ride 'lifted off' with his three children onboard
Dad describes terrifying scenes as fairground ride 'lifted off' with his three children onboard What was meant to be a fun family day out, spiralled into a nightmare There have been several injuries, says witness (Image: Kieran Roche) A father of three has recalled the terrifying moment he watched the Wacky Worm ride at Coney Beach Amusement Park "completely lift off the rail" - with his three children on board. Matthew Baker, 44, had travelled from Port Talbot to Porthcawl with his partner and children on Wednesday, August 13, expecting a fun family day out. The family arrived at the busy funfair at around 5.15pm and were walking through the park when the Wacky Worm ride caught the attention of Matthew's four-year-old son. "My youngest is autistic and non-verbal," Matthew explained. "So it's difficult to know what he's interested in. When he showed excitement toward the ride, my teenage daughters offered to take him on." Promoted on the amusement park's website as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids" and "a small introductory roller coaster that will get them screaming," the Wacky Worm is designed to appeal to young children. However, instead of a smooth, fun experience, Matthew said the ride had completed just one lap when a sudden "jaunting, jiggling" noise was heard. Moments later, it came to an abrupt halt before the back end of the train lifted completely off the rails, crashing down with such force that it bounced back up. Article continues below The impact was so powerful, Matthew claims, that a section of the security fencing surrounding the ride flew off - narrowly missing his partner, whom he pushed out of the way. In what he described as "chaotic" scenes, Matthew and another man ran toward the ride, shouting at the stunned operator to open the gate. When there was no immediate response, a third man joined them, and together they "ripped" at the gate and "dived" to reach those still on board. 'My 15-year-old daughter was sitting next to my son," Matthew said. "She must've realised something was wrong, because she had wrapped her arms around him and shielded him from further injury." Despite her quick actions, all three children sustained minor injuries. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here "My four-year-old had a busted lip - there was a lot of blood - and he has bruises on his body. 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," Matthew said. He added: "Beyond the physical injuries, all three of them are really shaken up. It's especially hard for my son, as I said, he's non-verbal - we can't know for sure if anything else is wrong." In the minutes that followed the derailment, Matthew claimed staff members approached the ride to collect information from those involved, before reattaching the fallen fencing. Roughly ten minutes after the incident, emergency services arrived, and shortly after that, visitors were told to leave the park. "When police got there, people were shouting, 'You need to close this place down,'" Matthew recalled. "It was all a bit of a blur. People were demanding refunds, refusing to leave. There was a lot going on." He said what made the experience even more distressing was being asked to return to the ride with his children so police could take statements and check them over. Matthew's family was among the 14 people reportedly injured in the incident. They were transported to Morriston Hospital for further examination, but have confirmed that they were cleared and sent home a few hours later. "Physically, there was nothing major," Matthew said. "But mentally, it's difficult." Following the incident, South Wales Police said: "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." Article continues below
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Theme park ride 'derails' injuring 13 kids as thrillseekers left 'bloodied'
Witness Kieran Roche said the incident caused several injuries. A pleasure park ride has reportedly derailed leaving 13 children injured and thrillseekers "covered in blood." Police have asked members of the public to avoid a Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Wales following a reported ride derailment. South Wales Police have confirmed 13 children and one adult were left injured following the funfair incident at roughly 5.50pm on Wednesday. It is believed some of those involved in the incident were children, with guests later seen climbing off the Wacky Worm ride - while others were helped down with a ladder. The funfair said they were instructed by police to clear the site around the third-party ride, not owned by Coney Beach, for further investigation, reports the Mirror. The 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. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly. We thank you for your cooperation." Witness Kieran Roche said the incident caused several injuries, including bloody noses. Others said the ride derailed at approximately 5.50pm, before park owners quickly helped people off the ride, with ladders brought out for those who couldn't reach the ground on their own. Police and fire crews have been on the scene since the witness first reported the incident at 6.15pm. The park has closed and a cordon is in place while authorities work to manage the situation. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The force said in a statement: "Officers and other emergency services are in attendance at Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, following an accident involving one of the rides. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access. More updates will be made available when appropriate." "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."
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Police give injury update after Coney Beach park ride leaves tracks
Police give injury update after Coney Beach park ride leaves tracks South Wales Police issued an update and also confirmed the attraction will remain closed on Thursday Owners and emergency services responded quickly to the incident (Image: Kieran Roche) Police have issued an update on injuries after an accident at a Welsh seaside funfair. Onlookers described hearing screams of horror as the Wacky Worm ride derailed at Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl shortly before 6pm on Wednesday. The attraction was subsequently closed by police as part of a large emergency services response. Police have now confirmed13 children and one adult received minor injuries and some were taken to hospital. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . A spokesman for South Wales Police said on Wednesday night: "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 have since issued an official statement to their social media, which reads: '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. Article continues below '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.' The Wacky Worm ride is described as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids", adding: "This small introductory roller coaster for the kids will get them screaming." Article continues below
Wales Online
5 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Coney Beach derailment witness describes 'loud bang' and 'screams'
Coney Beach derailment witness describes 'loud bang' and 'screams' They described seeing multiple police cars and ambulances at the scene in the aftermath of the incident There have been several injuries, says witness (Image: Kieran Roche) A shocked onlooker has described the scene at Coney Beach amusement park after a packed ride derailed during the school holidays. The Wacky Worm ride at the busy seaside site in Porthcawl left the tracks and sparked a major emergency services response with bystanders saying several people were left injured. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, was at the site with family. She said the situation began with a 'loud bang' followed by 'screams' and the immediate sound of people shouting to 'get the kids off'. She said the ride was fully loaded with both adults and children when it derailed. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . Staff and owners of the park quickly responded to the situation, helping people off the ride, with one of the last individuals to be assisted being an older woman who required a ladder to safely exit the ride. Despite the initial shock and panic the witness described how the crowd seemed to calm down after the immediate reaction. After the incident the witness said she chose to go on another ride though emergency services arrived around 10 minutes later. Article continues below The park was then evacuated approximately 10 minutes after that. Around 30 minutes after the incident the woman reported seeing six police cars and vans, one fire engine, and three ambulances on the scene including a special units ambulance. Although the woman, who lives in Porthcawl, said she did not observe any injuries personally she said she was told by another visitor a child had been struck by part of the derailed track though this has not been confirmed. As emergency services worked to secure the area crowds of people gathered near the park's entrance seeking refunds. The witness said site owners communicated wristbands purchased for Wednesday evening would remain valid until the following day. Coney Beach have since issued an official statement to their social media, which reads: '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.' A South Wales Police spokesman said on Wednesday evening: 'Officers and other emergency services are in attendance at Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, following an accident involving one of the rides. Article continues below 'Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access. 'More updates will be made available when appropriate.'
