amusement park
Europa-Park wants to reopen after an accident with injuries
A view of the area of the “Retorno dos Piratas” show and the “Atlantica SuperSplash” attraction in Europa-Park. Photo
© Pascal Czech/dpa
A pool of water ruptures, diving towers collapse, seven people are injured: an accident clouded the holiday mood at Europa-Park. Now the operation should continue as usual – with one exception.
A pool of water ripped there on Monday afternoon, into which athletes jump from a height of up to 25 meters. Pedestals mounted on the pool collapsed, the water flowed into the lake of the “Atlantica SuperSplash” water ride attraction. This should probably go back to normal, said the spokeswoman.
According to the police, five artists and two visitors were injured in the incident. Three acrobats were taken to the hospital to have their injuries checked. A police spokeswoman said in the evening that the background to the accident had yet to be determined.
“Retorno dos Piratas” started at the end of May. Ten international athletes showed their skills several times a day during the 20-minute show. The water basin in which they landed after extreme and synchronized jumps is only 3.20 meters deep. Actually, they should appear until September 3rd.
During the summer season, Europa-Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. Last year, more than six million people came to the facility with roller coasters and other attractions near the French border – a record.