Several people have been hospitalised after a steam train at a popular amusement park in Missouri derailed.
The steam-powered train came off the tracks at Silver Dollar City amusement park in Branson, Missouri, with video footage and photos showing train carriages that had toppled over onto their side.
The park confirmed that six guests and one employee were taken by ambulance to receive medical treatment after ‘sections’ of the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derailed from the track.
Stone County Emergency Management Director Tom Martin said a total of three carriages had turned over, and that the ride was currently closed.
He added: "The state fire marshall has been contacted to investigate if any malfunctions happened on the ride."
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Medical facility CoxHealth said it had six patients in its care, with minor to moderate injuries.
Martin continued: “Of course, when you have a call come in with that description, you immediately think the worst.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t.”
A visitor called Gary Eldridge shared a video of the incident on Facebook, having been riding the train when it came off the tracks.
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He said: “We got our moneys worth at Silver Dollar City toady. Fortunately we were in the only car that didn’t flip over.”
Eldridge added: “There were no fatalities. A few injuries requiring people leaving in ambulance. Nothing major. A bunch of bumps cuts and bruises.”
The shocking footage has gone viral with 1,700 likes and thousands of comments from concerned social media users.
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One wrote: “Whoah! How did that happen?!”
Someone else said: “Oh wow. Prayers.”
A third commented: “My son and I were on one of the cars that derailed just hours before.”
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According to the Silver Dollar City website, the steam train ride usually lasts 20 minutes and takes visitors though 'beautiful Ozark countryside'.
In a statement, the park said it was providing support to those affected.
“Silver Dollar City confirms that earlier this evening, sections of the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derailed from the track,” it said.
“Onsite paramedics provided emergency care until first responders arrived. Six guests and one employee have been transported by ambulance to nearby medical facilities.
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"At this time, we are wholeheartedly focused on providing support for guests and team members in partnership with Stone County first responders.”
The statement added that further updates would be provided as more ‘information becomes available’.
Topics: US News
Jess Hardiman