Horror on rollercoaster at theme park as man airlifted to hospital after ride ‘slides from track’
Horror on family rollercoaster at Welsh theme park as man ‘is thrown to the ground’ and airlifted to hospital after ride ‘slides from track’ – as probe is launched into incident
- Man rushed to hospital after a ‘serious’ medical emergency on a theme park ride
- Incident took place at Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, south Wales
- Welsh Ambulance Service and air ambulance were called to scene around 1pm
A witness has described hearing ‘horrific’ screaming at a theme park after a rollercoaster flew off its tracks, leaving a man seriously injured.
The man was rushed to hospital after a ‘serious’ medical emergency following the crash at the Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, south Wales yesterday.
The park was quickly evacuated and closed to the public ‘with immediate effect’, a statement from its spokesperson said.
The Welsh Ambulance Service and an air ambulance rushed to the scene in the early afternoon. An investigation has now been launched into the 30 year-old ride by the Health and Safety Executive.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the horrific crash, as people trapped in the rollercoaster screamed for help.
A witness described seeing the passengers in shock and a man lying face down on the ground after the incident
An air ambulance was quickly on the scene after a ‘serious’ medical emergency at the park
The 30 year-old treetops rollercoaster promises ‘a magical adventure through the woodlands surrounding the park’
One man at the theme park said he tried to get on the ride just before the accident but was told it was undergoing engineering work.
When he came back 10 minutes later, he found the rollercoaster had flown off its tracks.
He told The Mirror: ‘Less than a minute into the ride I heard horrific screams and noticed the back end of the coaster slipping and sliding off the track and a girl crying in severe distress and what appeared to be the bar raised.’
‘We had to evacuate the ride on a bend and staff were present to help people off. I saw a mobile phone and a flip flop on the grass and realised someone must have come off the ride.
‘A group of girls were in shock and I asked them if they were ok which clearly they weren’t.
‘When I went to retrieve my bag I saw a gentleman lying face down with a member of staff and a paramedic. He wasn’t moving but staff later told me he was conscious and talking.’
The theme park in Pembrokeshire, South Wales was evacuated following the accident
One woman, who spoke to BBC Wales, described the incident as ‘serious’.
She told the broadcaster that it had happened on the park’s Treetops ride, which her family had been on. This has not been confirmed by the park.
A video shared on Twitter by Rhodri Mason appears to show a Welsh Air Ambulance helicopter arriving at the scene.
The small family park opened in the late 1980s and the Treetops rollercoaster has been running for nearly 30 years, according to its website.
The ‘family ride’ promises ‘a magical adventure through the woodlands surrounding the park.
‘Set high up in the treetops, you’ll twist, bend, and drop through the tree canopy.
‘As one of our most popular rollercoasters, this ride has been thrilling generations of families for nearly 30 years.’
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is investigating and said it was making inquiries alongside Dyfed Powys Police.
Oakwood Theme Park has been contacted for comment.