People ‘scream and run away from ride’ after beam falls onto rollercoaster track
Passengers screamed and were stuck on a rollercoaster after a metal beam ‘crashed down onto the track’.
After an emergency stop, they were stuck for half an hour and had to be rescued from the ‘Monkey Mayhem’ ride.
A structural beam from the ride at West Midlands Safari Park is said to have come loose before the incident at 3.25pm on Friday.
Regal Smith, 27, who was at the park with their son, said people started screaming and running away from the ride.
They said two people, who looked like a mother and son, were stuck on the ride before a rescue team were able to bring them down.
Regal, from Leicester, said: ‘The ride was visibly shaking as the carts went round.
‘I was next in queue for the ride, heard a bang, one of the main beams from the ride dislodged and obstructed the track
‘Then there was a big bang as the metal beam dislodged and clanged against the metal track.
‘Everyone started screaming and running away from the ride including the people in the queue.
‘A climber went up to look at the damage and a rescue team came too.
‘The piece is dislodged, it’s clear to see. It looks like it’s a case of the bolt coming out.’
Nobody was injured in the incident, and the ride has been closed down until an inspection into its safety is carried out and any necessary repairs are made.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Safari Park said: ‘We can confirm that on Friday 25 October at 3.25pm, a support beam became partially detached on our Monkey Mayhem ride.
‘Our ride operator performed an emergency stop and two guests were safely evacuated in line with our procedures.
‘There were no reported injuries, and first aid assistance was offered but not required. We have also kept in touch with those involved.
‘The safety of our guests remains of the utmost importance, and as a precaution, Monkey Mayhem will remain closed whilst checks are carried out and concluded.
‘The rest of the Park is fully operational as normal.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.