On August 14, 2025, a shocking incident occurred at Coney Beach Pleasure Park, located in Porthcawl, Bridgend County, Wales, resulting in injuries to thirteen children and one adult. This distressing event unfolded on the park’s Wacky Worm ride, which is described on the park’s website as a “small introductory roller coaster.” Witnesses reported a scene of chaos and fear as a cart came off the tracks during operation, prompting screams from children and immediate concern amongst parents.
A horrifying moment for attendees transpired when a metal railing fell onto a pram, a detail recounted by a mother who was present at the time. She described the scene, stating that she heard children screaming and crying following the incident. This alarming situation led to emergency services being called shortly after it happened at approximately 17:50 BST. Within moments, South Wales Police were on the scene, and the area was cordoned off as a precautionary measure.
In an official statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park clarified that the accident involved a “third-party ride,” implying that it was not owned by the park itself. This indicates potential concerns regarding oversight and safety regulations involving external rides that could impact the overall safety of amusement parks and the trust that families place in them. Following the incident, the amusement park was ordered to close for investigations by health and safety officials alongside police.
Footage that emerged on social media platforms depicted the immediate aftermath, showing adults aiding children in disembarking from the ride. There were reports that seven individuals required further medical evaluation and treatment, leading to their conveyance to the hospital by ambulances. Fortunately, most injuries sustained were deemed minor, creating a sense of relief amid the distressing event.
The aftermath of the incident highlighted the rapid response of paramedics, who arrived promptly on-site, along with multiple emergency vehicles, as seen in photographs taken during the event. Rebecca Eccleston, a 22-year-old mother from Llantwit Major, described her harrowing experience as she was at the park with friends and her one-year-old son, Theo. She vividly recounted the moment a loud bang resonated, and chaos quickly ensued. Echoing the feelings of many other parents at the park, she described the quick-thinking actions of her friend, who managed to shield her son from injury when the metal railing fell onto the pram.
Eccleston expressed her trauma following the disarray, highlighting that her son, despite escaping serious injury, was visibly shaken, bearing a lump on his head from the incident. The startling nature of the event caused panic and disorientation, with the chilling sounds of children’s screams serving as an enduring memory of the day.
In light of this incident, Coney Beach Pleasure Park has committed to offering refunds to families affected by the ride’s malfunction and has sincerely apologized for the disruption caused. The park, which has stood since 1918, is in the throes of redevelopment plans that would ultimately change the landscape of the area, with new homes, shops, and restaurants scheduled to occupy the waterfront.
Authorities encourage the public to avoid the vicinity of the amusement park as both community safety officials and the police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the harrowing accident that marred an outing that was intended to be filled with fun and laughter. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that can accompany amusement park rides, underlining the critical importance of rigorous safety standards and inspection protocols for all attractions, especially ones catering to families and young children.
