Horror as 13 children injured as theme park ride 'derails' at UK seaside town

Thirteen children have left injured after a ride derailed at a theme park in Wales. Witnesses watched in horror as those on the Wacky Worm ride at Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl screamed in horror during the incident shortly before 6pm on Wednesday. Wales Online reports police have now confirmed 13 children and one adult received minor injuries and some were taken to hospital.

Video footage shared online shows adults assisting children off the coaster. Witnesses described spotting several people, including youngsters, who were left bloodied after the incident. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Officers were called to Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend at around 5:50pm this evening following an accident involving one of the rides.

"At this time we have confirmed that 13 children and one adult have sustained minor injuries.

"Some of these have required hospital treatment.

"The amusement park will remain closed tomorrow while officers and health and safety personnel carry out their investigation.

"Please continue to avoid the area to allow Emergency Services access."

Coney Beach Pleasure Park said it was told by police to clear the site after an incident on a "third-party ride", which is not owned by the park, according to the Sun.

Officials also apologised for the disruption, adding that the park will provide refunds to affected customers as soon as they can.

It comes after Coney Beach announced it would permanently close later this year.

The venue said in a statement in July: "It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last. We will be closing our gates for the final time this October.

"It's the end of an era, for over one hundred years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl helping to make it a busy seaside destination. Bringing fun, laughter and fond memories to so many.

"We will miss it greatly and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families lives, young and old.

"Thank you for sharing our love of 'all the fun of the fair' and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves."