They described seeing multiple police cars and ambulances at the scene in the aftermath of the incident
21:26, 13 Aug 2025Updated 21:59, 13 Aug 2025
There have been several injuries, says witness(Image: Kieran Roche)
A shocked onlooker has described the scene at Coney Beach amusement park after a packed ride derailed during the school holidays. The Wacky Worm ride at the busy seaside site in Porthcawl left the tracks and sparked a major emergency services response with bystanders saying several people were left injured.
One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, was at the site with family. She said the situation began with a “loud bang” followed by “screams” and the immediate sound of people shouting to “get the kids off”.
She said the ride was fully loaded with both adults and children when it derailed. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Staff and owners of the park quickly responded to the situation, helping people off the ride, with one of the last individuals to be assisted being an older woman who required a ladder to safely exit the ride.
Despite the initial shock and panic the witness described how the crowd seemed to calm down after the immediate reaction.
After the incident the witness said she chose to go on another ride though emergency services arrived around 10 minutes later.
The park was then evacuated approximately 10 minutes after that.
Around 30 minutes after the incident the woman reported seeing six police cars and vans, one fire engine, and three ambulances on the scene including a special units ambulance.
Although the woman, who lives in Porthcawl, said she did not observe any injuries personally she said she was told by another visitor a child had been struck by part of the derailed track though this has not been confirmed.
As emergency services worked to secure the area crowds of people gathered near the park’s entrance seeking refunds.
The witness said site owners communicated wristbands purchased for Wednesday evening would remain valid until the following day.
Coney Beach have since issued an official statement to their social media, which reads: “Due to an incident on a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach, we were instructed by the police to clear the site for further investigation.
“We apologise for the disruption and will be providing refunds to affected guests as soon as possible. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly.
“We thank you for your cooperation.”
A South Wales Police spokesman said on Wednesday evening: “Officers and other emergency services are in attendance at Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, following an accident involving one of the rides.
“Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access.
“More updates will be made available when appropriate.”
The force has since issued an updated statement saying more than a dozen people were injured.
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