A fire broke out in the Europa Park in Rust. The exact extent is not yet clear, said a police spokeswoman on Monday evening. The column of smoke can be seen from afar. A spokeswoman for Germany’s largest amusement park – located north of Freiburg – confirmed the fire. According to an eyewitness, the “Magic World of Diamonds” attraction is affected – where the Alpenexpress and the wild water course operate, he told the German Press Agency. There were initially no reports of injuries.
The park announced on Twitter that an incident had occurred. “We work closely with the responsible authorities and emergency services.” An evacuation is in progress. The police tweeted that forces from the fire brigade, rescue service and police were in action. “Please follow the instructions of the emergency services on site,” the officials appealed.
Europa-Park is Germany’s largest amusement park. Last year, more than six million people came to the facility with roller coasters and other attractions in the Ortenau district near the German-French border – that was a record.
There had already been a major fire there on May 26, 2018: Most of the thematic areas of Scandinavia and Holland had fallen victim to the flames. Restaurants, shops and the “Pirates in Batavia” ride were destroyed. According to the public prosecutor, the fire was caused by a technical defect and caused millions in damage. Seven police and firefighters were slightly injured. Around 500 women and men were involved in the operation. There were around 25,000 visitors to the amusement park that day. More than two years later “Pirates in Batavia” was reopened.