Posted: 15:39, 14 July 2022 | Updated: 16:33, 14 July 2022
A 14-year-old girl was killed and two other children were injured when a roller coaster car fell off its tracks in Denmark today.
Tragedy struck when the rear carriage of the ‘Cobra’ thrill ride, at Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus, eastern Denmark, became detached from the roller coaster at 12.50pm.
Three youths were immediately taken to hospital, with a 14-year-old girl confirmed dead about 90 minutes later, according to television network TV2.
One of the country’s most famous roller coasters, the Cobra has crashed once before, in 2008
Tivoli Friheden in eastern Denmark was closed and evacuated after the crash this afternoon
One of Denmark’s most popular theme parks, the ride at Tivoli Friheden has crashed before
Police Inspector Brian Voss Olesen told a press conference this afternoon that the exact cause of the “very tragic accident” remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses described a loud bang followed by the sight of a roller coaster carriage rolling off the track.
Emergency services remain at the scene.
None of the seriously injured have been identified.
The severity of the other children’s injuries is not known.
Tivoli Friheden, one of Denmark’s most popular theme parks, was evacuated and closed immediately after the accident.
Police Inspector Brian Voss Olesen told a press conference this afternoon that the exact cause of the “very tragic accident” remains unclear.
However, he added that investigators will spend “a lot of energy” looking into how roller coasters are approved for public use.
Mr Olesen also confirmed the park would remain closed tomorrow for further investigation.
The park’s director, Henrik Ragborg Olsen, confirmed that the incident took place on the Cobra coaster
Facebook users remarked on the quick and safe evacuation of the park after the tragic accident
The amusement park had stated via Facebook that it “will remain closed until further notice”.
Tivoli Friheden added: “We have gathered the guests related to the injured – and those who sat on the train – and are offering psychological help to those who need it.
“The causes of the accident have not yet been determined, but technical assistance has been requested from experts.
“Out of respect for those injured, we encourage our visitors not to share photos that may have been taken in connection with the accident.”
The park’s statement confirmed news of the crash but did not name the girl, 14, who was killed
Commenter Jennifer Ann Been wrote: “I was on this particular ride a few weeks ago. I sat on that part of it and pointed out that I thought it wasn’t safe.
“My thoughts are with the family, staff and the poor girl who died.”
Lisbeth Rasmussen added: ‘I just got home from being out there.
“High praise to the staff who so quickly and efficiently guided guests to the exit without too much panic. Hoping for the best for the injured.’
Cobra is one of Denmark’s most famous roller coasters, with a top speed of 44mph and three inversions during 1m40s.
It also has 4.5Gs, the same power as Oblivion at Alton Towers.
In 2008, four people were injured when two rows of chairs at Cobra collapsed.
