Emergency services were called to Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, Bridgend, at around 5.50pm on Wednesday (August 13) following an accident involving one of the rides.
South Wales Police have confirmed that 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries. Several of those injured required hospital treatment.
The amusement park will remain closed today (Thursday) while officers and health and safety investigators work at the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said:
“Officers were called to Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend at around 5:50pm this evening (Wednesday August 13) 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.”
According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the incident occurred on a caterpillar-themed children’s ride, which reportedly came off its rails during operation. Protective barriers around the ride were also said to have been dislodged, striking nearby visitors and damaging a pram with a young child inside.
Witnesses described hearing a loud crash before rushing to help those injured.
In a statement, Coney Beach Porthcawl 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.”
Eyewitnesses reported a loud crash followed by scenes of distress as emergency services attended. Social media accounts from those present described a number of children being treated for injuries at the site.
Rebecca Eccleston, who was at the fair with her children, said she witnessed the moment the ride came off its rails. She described seeing children screaming and injured, with one of her friend’s children among those hurt.
She added that the ride’s safety barriers toppled over, landing on her child’s pram while her one-year-old son was still inside. The pram took the impact, and she quickly moved it away.
Police and health and safety teams will continue their enquiries today, and the amusement park has confirmed it will remain closed until further notice.
