West Midlands rollercoaster emergency: Beam crashes onto track, passengers rescued

A rollercoaster had to shut after a structural beam fell onto the track - and left passengers stuck and needing to be rescued.

The incident happened at 3.25pm on October 25, 2024, on the Monkey Mayhem ride at West Midlands Safari Park.

A metal structural beam from the ride is said to have fallen onto the track before the rollercoaster came to an emergency stop and closed.

Regal Smith, 27 - who was at the park with their son - said people started "screaming" and "running away" from the ride.

They said two people - who looked like a mother and son - were stuck on the ride before a rescue team were able to bring them down.

However, bosses dispute these claims saying procedures were calm and resolved within 30 minutes.

Regal, from Leicester, Leicestershire, said: "The ride was visibly shaking as the carts went round.

"I was next in queue for the ride, heard a bang, one of the main beams from the ride dislodged and obstructed the track

"Then there was a big bang as the metal beam dislodged and clanged against the metal track.

"Everyone started screaming and running away from the ride including the people in the queue.

"A climber went up to look at the damage and a rescue team came too.

"The piece is dislodged, it's clear to see. It looks like it's a case of the bolt coming out."

A spokesperson from West Midlands Safari Park said: “We can confirm that on Friday 25 October at 3:25pm, a support beam became partially detached on our Monkey Mayhem ride.

“Our ride operator performed an emergency stop and two guests were safely evacuated in under 30 minutes, in line with our procedures. There were no reported injuries, and first aid assistance was offered but not required. We have also kept in touch with those involved.

“The safety of our guests remains of the utmost importance, and as a precaution, the Monkey Mayhem ride was closed whilst checks were carried out. We plan on reopening the ride as soon as possible.”

The spokesman added: “Contrary to other media reports, the two guests were not left on the ride for “over an hour”. They were safely removed within 30 minutes. Reports also suggest that guests were “running and screaming” from the queue for the ride. Again, this is not the case as proven by our CCTV footage. The situation was calm and well-managed.”