The Wacky Worm Nightmare: Everything We Know About The Coney Beach Ride Accident And The Park's Final Closure In 2025

The Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl, a beloved South Wales landmark for over a century, was the site of a terrifying ride accident on August 13, 2025, involving the popular "Wacky Worm" rollercoaster. This shocking incident, which saw a carriage derail and injure 14 people—mostly children—sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom and placed a sudden, intense focus on amusement park safety just weeks before the park's scheduled permanent closure. The accident became one of the final, and most distressing, chapters in the park's long history, prompting an immediate and extensive investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The timing of the accident, so close to the park's announced closing date in October 2025, added a layer of profound sadness and urgency to the situation. As of December 18, 2025, the official investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing, with authorities determined to understand how a seemingly innocuous family ride could have failed so catastrophically. The incident has raised critical questions about maintenance, third-party ride ownership, and the final safety checks at the historic fairground before its gates close for good.

Timeline of the Coney Beach Wacky Worm Accident (August 2025)

The incident at the Porthcawl fairground was a major event that required a massive response from emergency services and immediately triggered a high-level investigation. The chronological details provide a clear picture of the terrifying moments as they unfolded for the park-goers and staff.

• August 13, 2025, Late Afternoon: The incident occurred on the "Wacky Worm" rollercoaster, a small, introductory ride popular with children.
• Approx. 5:50 PM: The rear carriage of the Wacky Worm ride reportedly derailed from the track, causing it to lift off the rail and leave passengers suspended above the ground.
• Immediate Emergency Response: South Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene at Coney Beach Amusement Park. Emergency crews worked to safely rescue the passengers from the suspended carriage.
• Victim Tally: A total of 14 people—13 children and one adult—sustained injuries. Fortunately, all injuries were reported as minor, including bloody noses and other superficial wounds, and no fatalities occurred.
• HSE Intervention: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) immediately launched an investigation into the incident, issuing a Notice to Leave Undisturbed on the Wacky Worm ride.
• Subsequent Safety Discovery: During the initial investigation, inspectors discovered safety issues on a second, unnamed ride at the funfair, leading to its immediate closure.

This rapid sequence of events underscored the severity of the malfunction, turning a day of seaside fun into a frightening ordeal for the families involved. The fact that the ride was a small children's rollercoaster, often considered low-risk, intensified public concern over fairground safety standards across the UK.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Investigation and Findings

The immediate aftermath of the derailment saw the focus shift entirely to a thorough, forensic safety investigation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK's national workplace health and safety regulator, took charge of the scene. The Wacky Worm ride itself, which was a third-party ride not directly owned by Coney Beach, was a central piece of evidence. The HSE issued a formal Notice to Leave Undisturbed, effectively seizing the ride. It was later transported to a specialized lab in Buxton for extensive testing and analysis to determine the precise mechanical failure or operational error that caused the derailment.

Key Entities and Focus Areas of the Investigation:

• The Wacky Worm Ride: Examination of the track, wheels, locking mechanisms, and structural integrity of the carriage that derailed.
• Third-Party Ownership: Scrutiny of the maintenance records, inspection schedules, and operational procedures provided by the ride's external operator.
• Park Management: Reviewing the oversight procedures and safety protocols implemented by Coney Beach Pleasure Park for all rides operating on its premises.
• Discovery of Second Issue: The finding of safety issues on a second ride during the initial post-accident sweep indicated a potential broader systemic issue with safety checks at the fairground, adding complexity to the overall investigation.

The results of the HSE's final report are highly anticipated by the public and the amusement park industry, as they will provide definitive answers regarding accountability and necessary safety improvements for fairgrounds and seaside attractions.

Coney Beach's Legacy and the Bittersweet 2025 Closure

The terrifying Wacky Worm accident occurred just as Coney Beach Amusement Park was preparing for its final curtain call. Established in 1918, the Porthcawl attraction had been a cherished part of South Wales' seaside culture for over a century, known for its classic rides and nostalgic charm. The park's permanent closure was announced well in advance, with the final operating day scheduled for October 5, 2025, marking the end of the current season. The decision to close was reportedly driven by the sale of the land for redevelopment, a move involving the Welsh Government and a broader regeneration plan for the Porthcawl seafront. The coincidence of the August 2025 accident with the final weeks of operation created a profoundly bittersweet atmosphere. Instead of a celebration of over 100 years of memories, the park's final months were overshadowed by a serious safety incident.

The Impact on the Porthcawl Community:

The closure, regardless of the accident, represents a significant loss for the community and for tourism in Bridgend County. The park was more than just a collection of rides; it was a cultural institution. The final months have become a time of reflection, mourning the loss of a landmark while simultaneously grappling with the reality of the safety failures that marked its final season. The long-term impact of the Wacky Worm derailment on the park's legacy will undoubtedly be complex. While the park is remembered for generations of happy visitors, the 2025 accident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety standards, even as an attraction winds down its operations. The final closure in October 2025 marks the end of an era, but the investigation into the ride incident will continue to shape the conversation around amusement park safety for years to come.