A malfunction on a ride at a theme park in north-west Belgium has resulted in injuries to five children and two adults, according to local police sources. The incident occurred at Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges on Tuesday morning, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly.
The injured individuals suffered minor injuries, such as fractures and back pain, and were promptly transported to AZ Sint-Lucas and AZ Sint-Jan hospitals in Bruges for treatment. Authorities reassured the public that all victims are accompanied by family members, and children who were at the park’s camp are safe and unharmed.
The malfunction took place on the Spring Ride, a attraction that ascends seven meters before rapidly descending, while it was elevated at a height of around four meters. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown at this time. The park’s manager, Lars Van den Ham, mentioned that the ride had not encountered any technical issues recently.
The public prosecutor’s office is on the scene, and Belgium’s Federal Public Service is set to join the investigation into the incident. The park’s website highlights its array of attractions, including 20 outdoor rides like the Orca Ride roller coaster and the Sancta Maria pirate ship, along with 10 indoor attractions and spacious playgrounds.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in India, where a Ferris wheel collapsed at a fair in Uttar Pradesh, critically injuring at least 10 people. Video footage from the Bhainsaha Mela fair in Khadda showed the Ferris wheel tipping sideways before collapsing, with up to 80 individuals on the ride at the time and around 30 sustaining injuries, as confirmed by the police.
