A serious incident occurred at Parque Warner Madrid on Saturday, August 29, when a 49-year-old man was injured while riding the Batman Gotham City Escape roller coaster. Initial reports suggest that the individual experienced an emergency situation, leading to significant injuries that required immediate medical attention.
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Witnesses described a scene of chaos following the incident. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the parkgoer suffered two serious leg injuries—an open fracture to his left leg and a closed fracture to his right leg. Emergency responders were called to the scene, where they provided initial treatment before the man was airlifted to 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid for further care.
A spokesperson for Parque Warner Madrid confirmed the occurrence of an “incident” that necessitated “emergency procedures.” They stated that the ride was promptly halted, and emergency teams were deployed to assist the injured guest. The spokesperson also noted that the roller coaster would remain closed while investigations are conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
The Batman Gotham City Escape is a prominent attraction within the park, part of the DC Super Heroes World. It opened its doors to the public in 2023 and is known for its thrilling ride experience. The coaster soars to a height of 45 metres, equivalent to just under 148 feet, and reaches speeds up to 104 kilometres per hour, nearly 65 miles an hour. The ride lasts 111 seconds and includes numerous inversions, adding to its appeal among thrill-seekers.
Despite the incident, the remainder of Parque Warner Madrid continued to operate as usual. Local police and the Civil Guard of Spain were present at the scene to manage the situation. Some park visitors expressed distress over the incident, with one eyewitness, 21-year-old Noelia Hans, describing how deeply shaken attendees felt after witnessing the emergency unfold.
In light of the incident, Parque Warner Madrid emphasised their commitment to safety. The spokesperson reiterated that thorough reviews of safety protocols will take place as investigations progress. This is an important step to ensure the well-being of all park visitors in the future.
As the situation develops, PEOPLE has reached out to local authorities and the Civil Guard for further comments. As of now, it remains unclear how long the Batman Gotham City Escape will be closed or what specific measures will be taken to address safety concerns.
Visitors to the park, particularly those who were present during the incident, are reminded of the risks involved in thrill rides. While roller coasters are designed for excitement and entertainment, safety remains a paramount concern for all operators in the amusement industry. Further updates are anticipated as investigations are completed and insights from authorities are released.