Passengers injured as ‘drop tower’ ride crashes to the ground at UK theme park
One of Britain’s biggest theme parks has been forced to close one of its rides after multiple passengers were injured.
Bounce, a ‘drop tower’ attraction at Oakwood in Pembrokeshire, Wales, ‘fell to the floor without slowing down’, according to eyewitnesses.
At least 20 people were on the ride as it ‘went up and down a few times’ before it ‘fell quickly to the ground from about halfway up the tower’.
It has been reported that children were left ‘screaming and crying’ during Wednesday’s incident, which is now under investigation.
Oakwood said the ride ‘experienced a programmed emergency stop procedure’ while in mid-fall.
A number of people reported ‘minor lower back pain’ and had to be attended to by a team of in-house first aiders.
One visitor who was on the ride said the way the incident was handled was ‘awful’, and alleged staff only stopped and helped people who ‘complained of pain’.
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.’
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