**Woman and Nephew Escape Serious Harm After Rollercoaster Cart Derails at Welsh Funfair**
A day out at a North Wales amusement park took a harrowing turn for one family when a rollercoaster cart carrying a woman and her young nephew derailed, plunging them some six feet to the ground. The incident occurred at Knightly’s Funfair in Towyn on Saturday, June 21, sending shockwaves through the popular summer destination.
Terri Murray, aged 39 and from Birkenhead, Merseyside, had taken her niece and 10-year-old nephew to the lively venue in hopes of an enjoyable afternoon. The family decided to ride the ‘Gold Mine Express’, a rollercoaster typically marketed as an accessible and safe attraction for families and children. However, what began as a light-hearted experience quickly descended into chaos.
Speaking to reporters after her release from hospital, Ms Murray described the terrifying sequence. “Suddenly there was a loud bang and the carriage we were in came off the track,” she explained. “The next thing I knew, we were dropping towards the ground.” The impact caused her to slam her head against the carriage’s metal frame before hitting the floor. While attempting to protect her nephew during their fall, she pulled him close, sheltering him from the full brunt of the impact.
Both Terri and her young nephew suffered bruising and severe shock as a result of the derailment. Emergency services were swiftly called to the scene, after which the pair were taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital, where they remained under observation overnight. Ms Murray required medical treatment for multiple injuries, including a wound on the side of her head that had to be glued, and significant swelling that left her right eye closed.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms Murray admitted she is “grateful to be alive” and thankful her nephew did not suffer more serious injuries. “The emotional aftermath is just awful,” she said. “Nightmares and anxiety keep coming back. I can’t help thinking about how much worse it could have been. We are lucky to be here.”
Also present during the incident was Terri’s 18-year-old niece, who lives with learning difficulties and was a witness to the distressing event. Despite her own challenges, she managed to remain composed and provided valuable information to first responders, including details about Ms Murray’s diabetes and relevant allergies. Ms Murray expressed her pride in how the children handled the crisis, acknowledging their resilience amidst chaos.
The cause of the ride’s malfunction has yet to be determined. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed it has been made aware of the incident and an enquiry into how the derailment occurred is now underway. Truthfully, accidents of this nature at family amusement parks are rare, but when they do happen, they revive questions around the safety measures and maintenance regimes in place at such attractions.
Knightly’s Funfair has reportedly reached out to Ms Murray to check on her condition, but she stated that she has been unable to discuss the matter with them in detail due to her injuries and ongoing distress. The funfair itself has not yet issued an official statement regarding the rollercoaster’s status or what steps it has taken in response to the incident.
Rollercoaster safety remains a subject of public concern whenever mechanical failures occur, particularly at events or locations often frequented by families. While statutory bodies such as the HSE maintain strict guidelines and conduct regular inspections, the potential for equipment failure means vigilance must always be maintained.
Despite the ordeal, Ms Murray’s overriding feeling is one of gratitude—for her survival, for the support of bystanders who rushed to help, and for the medical team who provided care. “It was terrifying,” she concluded, “but we’re alive and very thankful for everyone who stepped in to help.”
Further updates are expected as officials continue to investigate, and many local visitors will await reassurances of safety before returning to the popular venue.