2 days ago
I was struck by collapsing metal fence at UK beach amusement park – all I could hear was children screaming
A MUM says she was hit by a collapsing metal fence while enjoying a day out at an amusement park with her two young children.
Single mum Megan Cavanagh had taken her kids to the Coney Beach funfair in Porthcawl, Wales, on Wednesday but it ended in a terrifying ordeal.
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The single mother had arrived at the seaside funfair around 5pm on August 13, hoping to enjoy the rides and attractions with her young children and some family friends.
However, not long into their visit Megan had to step away from the park after her young autistic daughter became unsettled by the loud noises.
After a brief time away she re-joined her group near the Wacky Worm ride – a rollercoaster described as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids".
"I was just minding my own business," Megan said.
'I was standing with my back to the ride, talking to my friends, when it happened. It was all so sudden.
'We just heard this massive bang and children started screaming.'
According to Megan the metal fence separating the ride from spectators collapsed unexpectedly – falling on top of her.
'The fence fell straight on top of me, hitting my back,' she said.
'I managed to push my friend's pram out of the way, which was right next to me.
"I pushed the fence off myself and when I looked up all I could see were kids on the ride screaming.'
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Megan added: "Parents were jumping on trying to get their kids off – it was awful.
"I'm just grateful I took my daughter away earlier because otherwise we would have been on that ride too.'
Megan said she was checked by staff and advised to attend hospital but chose to return home, citing a lack of childcare and describing the pain at the time as 'just aches'.
South Wales Police later confirmed that 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries, with some sent to hospital for further treatment.
Megan added: 'I'm planning to go to the doctor. I struggled to sleep last night from the pain so I am going to see how I feel.
'None of this is what you'd expect from what is supposed to be a family trip out.'
In a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said previously it was instructed by police to clear the site after an incident on a "third-party ride" not owned by the park.
It apologised for the disruption and said 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."
The Sun Online has contacted the amusement park for an update.
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