Wacky Worm ride injures 13 children at Coney Beach

Footage shows adults helping children off the ride as police investigate.

Wacky Worm ride injures 13 children at Coney Beach

Thirteen children and one adult were injured when a Wacky Worm ride derailed at Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl. Seven people were taken to hospital for treatment after the incident, which occurred around 17:50 BST on a third party ride not owned by the park. The attraction will remain closed while health and safety officials investigate, as officers gather evidence and review safety records. The park, which dates back to 1918, is set to close in October as the waterfront site undergoes redevelopment.

Police asked the public to avoid the area while investigators examine equipment and ride logs. Eyewitnesses described screams and confusion as the car left the track, and the park said it is cooperating with authorities and will provide updates as the inquiry continues.

This accident highlights the risk of rides operated by third parties on historic venues. It raises questions about how safety records are verified for attractions the park does not own and how quickly issues are addressed when they arise. The timing matters too, because the park is preparing for redevelopment that could reshape the local area and its safety obligations.

Local officials will scrutinise maintenance logs, licensing, and the oversight processes for third party operators. The incident may influence insurance costs, safety standards, and public trust in similar venues, depending on what regulators find and how transparently they communicate the findings.

Highlights

Investigation will determine the next steps for safety and oversight at similar venues.