Coney Beach Ride Accident: Is the October Closure Linked to the Wacky Worm Crash?

Porthcawl, Wales – Fourteen people, composed of thirteen children and one adult, were injured on Wednesday evening after a children's roller coaster partially derailed at Coney Beach Amusement Park, just weeks before the site's confirmed permanent closure in October 2025.

The incident, which occurred on the Wacky Worm ride, prompted a major emergency response and raised public questions over whether the park's final season may be linked to the accident.

Details of the Incident

South Wales Police said they were called to the Eastern Promenade attraction at approximately 5:50 p.m. on 13 August, as reported by The Sun.

According to witnesses, a loud bang was heard before the ride stopped mid-circuit. The Wacky Worm, a small family coaster popular with younger visitors, appeared to lift away from the track during the malfunction.

According to Yahoo News UK, eyewitnesses described children screaming and staff quickly moving to secure the area. Emergency crews used ladders to help stranded passengers from the ride's elevated sections, while others were guided down by attendants.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Police confirmed that all injuries sustained were minor. Seven of the injured were transported to hospital for precautionary checks, while others were treated on site. In a report by ITV News, a Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that they dispatched multiple emergency vehicles, including paramedics, duty operational managers and the Hazardous Area Response Team.

'At this time we have confirmed that 13 children and one adult have sustained minor injuries,' a police spokesperson said. 'The amusement park will remain closed tomorrow while officers and health and safety personnel carry out their investigation.'

Park's Statement and Ride Ownership

In a statement issued later that evening, Coney Beach confirmed that the Wacky Worm is a third-party-owned ride and not operated directly by the park. Management apologised to guests and confirmed that refunds would be provided to those affected by the closure of the park during the investigation.

'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,' the statement read. '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.'

Background on the October Closure

The accident comes less than two months before Coney Beach's planned permanent closure in October 2025. The Evans family, who have operated the park for decades, announced the decision on a social media post in July, calling it 'the end of an era'. The closure is part of a wider seafront redevelopment scheme for Porthcawl.

Coney Beach has been a fixture on the Welsh coast since 1918, attracting generations of holidaymakers and locals. Its rides, amusements and food stalls have been a summer tradition for more than a century.

Investigations and Safety Concerns

While there is no official confirmation that the closure has any connection to the incident, its timing has prompted speculation about whether the park's final months might have affected ride maintenance or operational oversight. Health and safety officers attended the scene alongside police, and formal inspection reports are expected in the coming days.

Authorities have not indicated how long the park will remain closed, but South Wales Police said it will not reopen until investigations are complete.