Girl, 14, Killed After Rollercoaster Falls Off The Tracks
A 14-year-old girl has died after the rear-part of the rollercoaster she was riding came off the tracks.
The tragic incident unfolded on Thursday (14 July) at the Tivoli Friheden amusement park, a popular park in Aarhus, eastern Denmark.
The unnamed teenager was riding the Cobraen 'Cobra' rollercoaster when the rear part of the carriage became de-railed. ABC News reports police received a call at 12.50pm local time with reports of a car and several people in the ride being stuck.
The two people sitting in the rear seats, and another person - all believed to be teenagers - were freed by rescue workers and taken to a nearby hospital where a 13-year-old boy was treated with an injury on his hand.
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But sadly, a 14-year-old girl was pronounced dead around 90 minutes later, broadcaster TV2 reports. Her cause of death remains unknown at this time.
The theme park has since been shut down and an investigation has been launched by police into what caused the tragic accident.
Police inspector Brian Voss Olesen told a press conference earlier today that the exact cause of the 'very very tragic accident' remains unclear, and assured the public that investigators will spend 'a great deal of energy' looking into how rollercoasters are approved for use by the public.
While Olesen said the park will remain closed until tomorrow, a spokesperson for Tivoli Friheden has since insisted the park will stay closed until 'further notice'.
Taking to their Facebook page, the statement said: "It's hard for us to put into words the tragic accident of today, where a girl lost her life and a boy was injured.
"Our heartfelt thoughts are with the girl and the girl's relatives, family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the boy, our staff and the many visitors at the park earlier today. We are cooperating with East Jutland Police and are now awaiting the technical investigations regarding the accident."
It continued: "We encourage you once again not to share pictures that may have been taken in connection with the accident. Tivoli Friheden will not be open tomorrow Friday the 15th. July.
"We are getting an update on freedom. dk, as soon as we have further information."
One of Denmark's most popular rollercoasters, Cobra travels at a maximum speed of 70 km/h and stands at 25 meters tall. Riders also experience 4.5 G which, according to the park's website, means your body will weigh 4.5 times more than normal.
A hotline has been established if you have been to Tivoli Friheden and need professional crisis help or are relatives on telephone: +45 70221266 (Test 1).
You can also call Victim Counseling in East Jutland, which offers help to victims, witnesses and relatives who have witnessed the accident. You can contact the victim counseling on tel. : +45 23686056. The children's telephone is open 24/7 for children and young people who need to talk to someone - you can text or call +45 116111.
Topics: World News
Emily Puckering