Seven individuals, including five children, were admitted to hospital following a ride malfunction at Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges, Belgium, on Tuesday, 7 April. The local police reported that all seven sustained minor injuries during the incident, prompting immediate medical attention.
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The malfunction occurred on the Spring Ride, a family-oriented drop tower attraction, which reportedly malfunctioned while in operation. Eyewitness reports indicated that the ride unexpectedly descended from a height of around 13 feet instead of proceeding with its normal function. The local news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN) provided further insights into the event, noting that the attraction, designed to ascend over 20 feet before dropping rapidly, failed to operate as intended.
Lars Van den Ham, the park’s manager, expressed his shock at the incident, affirming that there had never been any issues with the ride in the twelve years he had been employed at the park. He explained that the attraction utilises hydraulic cylinders designed to slow down the descent, suggesting that the drop experienced was not a free fall. However, he confirmed that the last two to three metres of the seats descended uncontrollably, raising concerns about the technical aspects of the mechanism.
The park had recently re-opened its outdoor area on 4 April, just days before the incident occurred. According to Van den Ham, there had been no reported problems with the Spring Ride leading up to the malfunction. He emphasised the importance of understanding what went wrong, stating that the attraction would remain closed until a thorough investigation was completed.
While the injuries sustained by guests were not life-threatening, some victims were reported to have experienced minor back injuries and bruises. A spokesperson for the West Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office, Griest De Prest, confirmed that an expert has been appointed to investigate the malfunction. Furthermore, the Federal Public Service Economy and other regulatory bodies will assist in the inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.
Boudewijn Seapark is known for its diverse offerings, which include an amusement park, an indoor playground, a water park, and a “Dolphinarium,” where visitors can observe dolphins, sea lions, and seals. The park strives to provide a family-friendly environment, and such incidents pose significant concerns for visitor safety.
As investigations continue, the local police have ensured a thorough examination of the malfunction to prevent any similar occurrences in the future. The amusement park’s management has also indicated their commitment to enhancing safety measures on all attractions, given the unfortunate incident surrounding the Spring Ride.
People looking to visit Boudewijn Seapark are advised to stay informed as updates regarding the park’s operational status and the findings of the investigation will be forthcoming. The park remains committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of its guests while working closely with authorities to address any issues identified by the investigation.
As further information becomes available, the management of Boudewijn Seapark and local officials will likely provide more concrete details regarding the future of the Spring Ride and any long-term measures that may be implemented to enhance safety standards across the park.