One of UK’s biggest theme parks is forced to close ride as ‘screaming’ passengers injured after ’emergency stop’
ONE of the UK’s biggest theme parks has been forced to close after passengers were reportedly injured when a ride suddenly plunged to the ground.
The Bounce ride at Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire experienced a “scheduled emergency stop”, according to staff.
One visitor on board the ride said there were around 20 people on the ride when it “fell to the floor without slowing down”.
Schoolchildren were “screaming and crying” as the ride “went up and down a few times” before it “fell quickly to the ground from about halfway up the tower”.
They claimed the way the incident was handled was “awful”, and alleged staff only stopped and helped people who “complained of pain or anything wrong”.
They added: “There have been no apologies from the park, they only gave information for guest relations because we asked for it to take it further after the fact we were told no management was available.”
A spokesperson for Oakwood Theme Park told local media: “During operation today, our drop tower ride Bounce experienced a programmed Emergency Stop Procedure in response to the ride drop height during a guest cycle.
“The stoppage which resulted in the passenger gondola stopping in the ride brakes was attended to by our park team and the ride was lowered to the ground where guests were able to disembark.
“A number of guests reported minor lower back pain immediately after the occurrence and were attended to by our onsite team of First Aiders, where assistance was provided.
“One group sought additional treatment locally, whilst others continued their day at the park. Bounce will remain closed whilst we consult with the ride manufacturer.”
The Sun has approached Oakwood Theme Park for comment.
The park, crowned the biggest in Wales, opened nearly 30 years on a family farm before being taken over by a Spanish entertainment company.
Its 85-foot-talt wooden roller coaster Megafobia was rated by enthusiasts soon after its installation as amongst the best in Europe.
But it was touched by tragedy when in 2008 it was fined £250,000 over the death of a schoolgirl in a 100ft fall from a white knuckle ride.
Hayley Williams, 16, was killed when she plunged from the Hydro water-thrill ride at the popular Pembrokeshire attraction.
Sunday school teacher Hayley was taken to the theme park as a treat with seven friends by her parents.
Hayley and her friends left the #1.7 million Hydro ride until last because they knew they would get soaking wet.
Friends told how they began chanting “here we go, here we go” as they began their climb to the top of the ride in April 2004.
But the court heard the ride supervisor and his assistant had not checked Hayley’s lap bar or safety belt on the 24-seater boat.