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Date Published: 12/02/2024

14 seriously injured in horror rollercoaster accident near Barcelona

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A tree was blown onto the ride during gale-force winds in northern Spain

14 seriously injured in horror rollercoaster accident near Barcelona

Tragedy struck the popular amusement park of PortAventura, located just 85 kilometres southwest of Barcelona, over the weekend, when gale-force winds knocked down a huge tree right over the children’s rollercoaster known as the 'Tomahawk'.

According to a spokesperson for the theme park, several branches actually hit passengers on the way down and 14 people were injured, two of whom are in a critical condition.

One visitor was immediately airlifted to Joan XXIII University Hospital in Tarragona. Three additional injured passengers were hospitalised locally.

Storm Karlotta swept across northern Spain over the weekend and park management insists the horrific accident was as a result of the strong gusts. A spokesperson clarified that the incident was "completely unrelated to the operation and maintenance" of the park's attractions which "meet the highest safety standards."

Nevertheless, several other rides at the Costa Dorada theme park were shut down shortly afterwards to prevent any further accidents.

PortAventura's website describes the Tomahawk as a "children’s roller coaster with frenetic climbs and descents that will test the bravery of all those who dare to challenge it."

According to the park itself, PortAventura is the most visited theme park in Spain and the sixth most popular in Europe.

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Image: PortAventura

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