A roller coaster accident at Gröna Lund, Sweden’s oldest amusement park, has left one person dead and several others injured. The accident occurred on Sunday when the roller coaster partially derailed, causing the front of the train to jump off the tracks and tilt towards the ground. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with passengers flying out of the car and falling to the ground.
Nine people, including three children, were rushed to the hospital, with one adult in serious condition. The three children only suffered minor injuries. The park’s CEO, Jan Eriksson, confirmed that a total of 14 people were onboard, of which one person has died and several are injured. Eriksson also called it a “day of mourning” at the park during a press conference.
One of the passengers who fell out of the derailed coaster was seen holding onto the track. Another was seen sitting on one of the coaster’s beams in photos of the derailment’s aftermath.
Authorities are currently investigating the accident. They are exploring whether involuntary manslaughter or other charges are warranted. The amusement park, which opened in 1883, was evacuated after the deadly accident and will be closed for seven days so investigators can sort out what went wrong, park officials said.
The roller coaster, which opened in 1988 and was renovated in 2000, is 2,600 feet long, with its highest point at about 98 feet tall. It goes as fast as 56 mph.
The accident has shocked the amusement park industry, with many calling for increased safety measures and stricter regulations.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the park remains closed, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The tragic incident has left many families devastated, and our thoughts are with those affected by this terrible accident.