Coney Beach, Porthcawl – Emergency services rushed to Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, South Wales, on Wednesday evening after a children’s roller coaster reportedly came off its track, leaving 14 people injured, including 13 children.
The alarm was raised just before 6:00 p.m., prompting a large-scale response involving three ambulances, specialist paramedic units, operational managers, and the Hazardous Area Response Team. Seven patients were transported to hospital for further treatment, though all injuries have been described as minor.
According to police, the ride involved was operated by a third party and not owned by Coney Beach. Witnesses described hearing sudden screams before seeing emergency vehicles arrive on site.
Authorities have closed the amusement park for at least one day while South Wales Police and health and safety inspectors investigate. A police spokesperson urged the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency teams access.
In a statement, Coney Beach confirmed they were instructed to clear the park and promised refunds for affected guests, apologizing for the disruption.
The incident comes just months before the seaside attraction is set to close permanently in October after more than a century of operation. First opened in 1918, the park was originally built to entertain American troops returning from the First World War and was named after New York’s Coney Island.
During its heyday in the 1950s, Coney Beach was a major draw for South Wales, hosting events ranging from boxing matches to firework displays. Its closure is part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Project, which will transform the site into a new residential and leisure district with homes, shops, restaurants, and expanded boardwalk areas.
For now, however, the focus remains on the well-being of those injured in Wednesday’s accident and ensuring the safety of the park’s remaining visitors in its final weeks.
