At least 14 people have been injured after a tree fell on thrill-seekers inside a rollercoaster at a Spanish theme park. Two of the casualties have been airlifted to hospital from PortAventura World and are said to be critical. Those hurt were on a wooden roller coaster called Tomahawk inside the theme park in Salou near Tarragona in Catalonia. The injured include adults and children. The two critically injured victims have been taken to Bellvitge Hospital in Barcelona and Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona.
A spokeswoman for a regional emergency response co-ordination centre confirmed: ‘Two people have been transferred critically injured to hospital. ‘Three other people have also been taken to hospital although their injuries are less serious.
PortAventura World is the most visited theme park in Spain attracting over 3 million visitors every year. The Tomahawk is one of the most popular roller coasters at the park and according to PortAventura World’s website is a ‘children’s roller coaster.’ The theme park confirmed in a statement: ‘This morning, due to high winds, an accident has occurred in which a tree came down on the Tomahawk rollercoaster.
‘Some of the branches hit customers who were on the attraction. ‘Our emergency protocols were actived immediately. ‘We are following the evolution of those hurt and offering all necessary support to the families.’ Police are said to be at PortAventura World as an investigation begins.