An individual lost their life and multiple individuals sustained injuries during a distressing incident at Sweden’s oldest amusement park. On Sunday, a roller coaster veered partially off its designated tracks, causing a terrifying accident. Witnesses at Gröna Lund park were filled with shock as they observed the front of the roller coaster train seemingly detach from the tracks and abruptly stop, with one car tilting towards the ground. According to the regional government, apart from the fatality resulting from the derailment, nine individuals, including three children, were swiftly transported to the hospital for medical attention.
“Then the car stops and people fly out — fall out of the car,” a witness said.
“The front of the train partly derailed and stopped on the track at a height of between 6 and 8 meters between 20 and 25 feet. A total of 14 people were onboard, of which one person has died and several are injured,” according to Jan Eriksson, the CEO of the park.
During a press conference, Eriksson described it as a “day of mourning” at the park as well.
Witnesses observed two or three passengers being ejected from the car, with one of them gripping onto the track. Images captured at the scene depicted a man seated on a beam beneath the stationary train. Jenny Lagerstedt, a journalist who was present at the park with her family, recounted to Swedish broadcaster SVT that she heard a metallic sound and witnessed the track trembling during the incident.
Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident to determine if charges such as involuntary manslaughter or other offenses are applicable. Following the tragic accident, the amusement park, which has been in operation since 1883, was evacuated. Park officials stated that the park will remain closed for a week to allow investigators to thoroughly examine the cause of the accident.
According to the amusement park, the roller coaster, which spans a length of 2,600 feet, was originally opened in 1988 and underwent renovations in 2000. The highest point of the coaster reaches approximately 98 feet, and it has the capability to reach speeds of up to 56 mph.
