Theme park horror as thrillseekers injured when tree falls onto roller coaster

11 February 2024 , 14:08

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Tomahawk ride at PortAventura World

Thrillseekers at a theme park have been left injured after a tree collapsed on a rollercoaster.

At least 14 people have been injured after a tree fell on thrill-seekers inside a rollercoaster at a Spanish theme park. Two of the casualties have been airlifted to hospital from PortAventura World and are said to be critical.

Those hurt were on a wooden roller coaster called Tomahawk inside the theme park in Salou near Tarragona. The injured include adults and children.

The PortAventura Theme Park in Spain

The two critically injured victims have been taken to Bellvitge Hospital in Barcelona and Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona. A spokeswoman for a regional emergency response co-ordination centre confirmed: “Two people have been transferred critically injured to hospital. Three other people have also been taken to hospital although their injuries are less serious."

The theme park confirmed in a statement: “This morning, due to high winds, an accident has occurred in which a tree came down on the Tomahawk rollercoaster. Some of the branches hit customers who were on the attraction Our emergency protocols were actived immediately. We are following the evolution of those hurt and offering all necessary support to the families.”

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Police are said to be at PortAventura World as an investigation begins.

In January, seven thrill-seekers were left stranded 100ft in the air after a rollercoaster broke down. Six adults and one child were left trapped in the air for around half an hour. The ride was going up a steep incline when it stopped, leaving the riders in a near vertical position. The rollercoaster, named Krater, stopped working at the Parque del Café, in Montenegro, west of Bogota, Colombia, on 3 January.

Other park customers captured the moment the thrill-seekers were rescued by the emergency services using a service lift. One video shows two rescuers standing at the top of the ride, apparently comforting the seven strapped-in passengers. Meanwhile, two other emergency workers are seen ascending the ride on the service lift to assist with the rescue operation. After around 30 minutes, the group made it safely back to terra firma without injury.

Following the incident, a park spokesperson reiterated their commitment to public safety and praised the actions of the emergency workers who took part in the rescue. One local said: “Something always happens to that attraction.” Another added: “Fortunately everything was resolved and turned out well.” Sebastian said: “That must be horrible.” Juliana remarked: “I would die.” Larry commented: “I have a friend in the park right now and I recommended that rollercoaster to her. Right now she isn’t talking to me.”

Ryan Fahey