The Wacky Worm ride at Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl, Bridgend, derailed on August 13, leaving 13 children injured. The park has now been sold and is set to close at the end of October
An investigation into a horrifying incident at a Welsh seaside funfair, where 13 children were injured after a rollercoaster derailed, has uncovered issues with another ride at the site.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a “loud bang” and “screams” when the Wacky Worm ride came off its tracks at Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl on Wednesday August 13 at roughly 5.50pm.
The terrifying incident resulted in injuries to 13 children and one adult, with several needing hospital treatment. In an update released on Thursday, 4 September, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that “safety issues” were found with the nearby Mini Jet ride following inspections of other rides at the park. The HSE issued a “prohibition notice” for the ride.
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Coney Beach confirmed that a “minor and unrelated” issue was discovered with the external walkway of the Mini Jet ride during health and safety checks carried out after the “unfortunate accident” involving the Wacky Worm. The park assured visitors that the Mini Jet ride had since been repaired, reports Wales Online.
The HSE stated that the investigation into the Wacky Worm ride incident, which occurred on Wednesday, 13 August, is “likely to take some time”.
Simon Chilcott, principal inspector at HSE, commented: “While the school summer holidays are now over, it is completely understandable that many people continue to feel the impact of what happened in Porthcawl last month.
“We’ve worked very closely with the police and taken swift action to preserve evidence and keep people safe. Witness accounts have been shared with us, as well as footage taken on the day of the incident, and these will be used to inform our investigation.”
He added that once the investigation was complete, a decision would be made on what further action should be taken.
A prohibition notice was issued on the ride, which means in the future the ride would need to be repaired and checked by an independent and competent person before being put back in service.
A spokesperson for Coney Beach Pleasure Park said: “We can confirm that during HSE investigations Into the unfortunate accident on the Wacky Worm Ride, a minor and completely unrelated issue was identified with the external walkway adjacent to the nearby Mini Jet ride.
They said it “required the installation of some wooden packing of about 6mm to ensure it did not vibrate or feel insecure underfoot. “”It had absolutely no relevance to the integrity of the ride itself,” the statement added.
The repair took no more than 10 minutes during which the ride was closed.
Permission was then given for it to operate as normal for the remainder of the day. “The ride was owned and operated by a third-party business which has subsequently sold it and removed in from the park as part of our winding down and closure by the end of October following acquisition of the site by the Welsh Government for redevelopment.
“The Wacky Worm ride was owned and operated by a third party business and has been closed since the accident. It will be removed from the park once permission is given by the authorities. We have fully cooperated with the HSE during its investigation.”
