News

Several injured in Oakwood Theme Park ride incident

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

A ROUTINE day at Oakwood Theme Park took a horrifying turn yesterday when the park’s ‘Bounce’ ride malfunctioned, resulting in multiple injuries. The popular drop tower ride experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure, plummeting to the ground during a scheduled emergency stop, and causing panic among the 20 riders onboard.

Witnesses reported hearing terrified screams as the 147ft-tall ride malfunctioned. The ride, which is designed to give thrill-seekers a stomach-churning drop, unexpectedly plunged from about halfway up, sending the lift hurtling towards the ground. Among the riders were several children, many of whom were described as “school-age.” Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with children “screaming and crying” as the ride’s descent accelerated.

One unnamed guest who was on the ride during the incident said, “It fell to the floor without slowing down. Children were screaming and crying as the ride went up and down a few times before it fell quickly to the ground from about halfway up the tower.”
Following the abrupt stop, the park’s emergency protocols were activated. Onsite first aiders quickly attended to the injured, with around eight individuals receiving immediate medical attention at the park. Four others were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The nature of their injuries is not fully known, but initial reports indicated cases of lower back pain and shock.

Describing the park’s handling of the situation, the guest claimed it was “awful,” noting that assistance seemed limited to those who actively complained of pain. “There have been no apologies from the park,” they added. “They only gave information for guest relations because we asked for it to take it further after the fact we were told no management was available.”

Oakwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in Wales, which opened in 1987, has since issued a statement regarding the incident. “During operation today our drop tower ride Bounce experienced a programmed emergency stop procedure in response to the ride drop height,” the statement read. “The stoppage of the passenger gondola was attended to by our park team and the ride was lowered to the ground where guests were able to disembark. A number of guests reported minor lower back pain immediately after the occurrence and were attended to by our onsite team of first aiders, where assistance was provided. One group sought additional treatment locally, whilst others continued their day at the park. We have closed Bounce whilst we consult with the ride manufacturer.”

Bounce, a prominent feature at Oakwood, had only recently reopened in 2022 following a significant £400,000 refurbishment. The ride, known for its gravity-defying and stomach-lurching drops, had been closed since 2016 and was originally slated to reopen in 2019. However, the pandemic caused further delays, pushing the reopening to last year.

This incident is not the first time Oakwood has faced scrutiny over ride safety. In October 2022, the park made headlines when a man was hospitalised after falling out of a carriage on the

Treetops roller coaster. Despite this, the Health and Safety Executive found no faults with the equipment, and no action was taken against the park.

Tragically, in April 2004, 16-year-old Hayley Williams from Pontypool died after falling 100ft from Oakwood’s Hydro Ride. Her death led to calls for stricter safety regulations in theme parks across the UK.

An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the Bounce malfunction. Park officials have stated that they are working closely with the ride’s manufacturer to ensure such an incident does not occur again. In the meantime, Bounce remains closed to the public.

The incident has raised serious concerns among visitors and the local community regarding the safety protocols at Oakwood Theme Park. As the investigation continues, many will be watching closely to see how the park addresses these concerns and what measures will be put in place to prevent future accidents.

Sad to see the decline of our local theme park
THE RECENT malfunction of the Bounce at Oakwood has ignited a wave of public outcry and concern over the safety standards at Wales’ largest amusement park. The incident, which left several riders with injuries, has drawn strong reactions from the local community and beyond, as evidenced by comments on social media platforms.

Many locals expressed their shock and frustration over the incident, highlighting long-standing issues with the park’s maintenance and safety protocols. IJ Sturley commented, “Dangerous places, maintained poorly over the years, shortcuts lead to accidents,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many about the perceived decline in the park’s upkeep.

Dylan Connolly shared his relief at avoiding the park: “When I went there it was closed and now I’m glad it was.” This sentiment was echoed by Steven Absalom, who declared, “This is why I don’t go and won’t,” underscoring a growing reluctance among locals to visit the park due to safety fears.

Several individuals have called for the park to be shut down entirely or handed over to new management. Top fan Richard Shanks bluntly stated, “Shut it down its beyond a joke the amount of times something goes wrong.” Luciana Suardi added, “There is a reason why this place is the UK’s worst rated theme park, with all the accidents that have happened there, it needs shutting down.”

Jimmy Lemon reminisced about the park’s former glory, saying, “That place’s current owners are a shambles… put off here a while ago… wish it was owned by the McNamara family again… would soon return to a jewel not a pile of Cr..!” This sentiment was supported by Andrew Clewett, who noted, “This place was run to a very high standard when it was owned by the McNamara’s. So sad to see it in its current condition. Little to no investment.”

Concerned parents and former employees

Parents with children set to visit the park expressed heightened anxiety. Kelly Griffiths remarked, “Just what you want to hear when there’s a school trip next week. I was already apprehensive.” Similarly, Rebecca Doble questioned the safety of future visits: “Ysgol Dyffryn Taf is on a school trip there next week. Are you sure it’s safe?”

Former employees also weighed in on the situation. Kino Wakeman, who briefly worked as a maintenance technician, warned, “Only a matter of time before another fatality 100%” highlighting potential internal issues. Alan Boswell, another ex-employee, noted historical problems with the Bounce ride: “Always had trouble with Bounce. I worked there when it first came. Always breaking down.”

While the current state of the park drew harsh criticism, many commenters reminisced about the better days of Oakwood. Ky-Ky Goward shared, “Such a shame to see and hear it to be in the state it is now used to love going here back in the day as a kid growing up.” This nostalgic view was echoed by Sam Crowe: “Shame though I got some happy memories from childhood there.”

The immediate aftermath of the incident has left many questioning the future of Oakwood Theme Park. Top fan Sarah Davies emphatically stated, “That park should be CLOSED !!!” Gem Phillips questioned, “Why is it still open?”

Carol Griffiths raised an important point about regulatory oversight: “Surely the health & safety agency’s cannot condone this place, do they ever get checked by them..?” Meanwhile, practical suggestions were offered by some, such as Trixie Trixabell Edwards: “Give it to Bluestone! I’m sure they would actually update and look after the park as it’s been a dreadful mess since pfft 10+ years ago.”

As investigations continue, it is clear that the local community’s trust in Oakwood Theme Park has been significantly shaken. The public’s demand for increased safety measures, better maintenance, or even a complete overhaul of management reflects deep concerns over the park’s ability to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Crime

Lockdown at Milford Haven School after emergency services called

Published

3 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LOCKDOWN was put in place at Milford Haven School shortly after the end of the school day on Tuesday (Feb 4), with police and other emergency services attending the site and the situation ongoing as of late afternoon.

Staff used the tannoy system just after 3:00pm to announce that the school was entering lockdown.

While most pupils had already gone home, a number remained on site for after-school clubs and activities. As part of the procedure, doors were locked and those inside were instructed to stay in classrooms or offices.

One member of non-teaching staff wrote on social media that they had been “locked in a room” for protection.

Several marked vehicles from Dyfed-Powys Police were seen outside the school gates, with officers remaining at the scene.

The exact nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald has contacted both Pembrokeshire County Council and police for clarification, but no official statement had been issued at the time of publication.

Lockdown procedures are standard in schools and are designed to keep pupils and staff safe by restricting movement and securing buildings while a potential risk is assessed.

Parents told The Herald they were informed that children were safe but that movement around the campus had been temporarily restricted.

There have been no confirmed reports of injuries.

It is not yet clear when the lockdown will be lifted.

This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as further information becomes available.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Milford Haven School during Tuesday afternoon’s lockdown (Pics: Herald).

Crime

Sex offender who vanished after release jailed after walking into police station

Published

14 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Staff Writer

Man subject to Crimewatch appeal admitted breaching lifetime notification rules after months living ‘off grid’

A REGISTERED sex offender who sparked a nationwide police hunt after disappearing on release from prison has been jailed after walking into a Pembrokeshire police station and handing himself in.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66 and of no fixed address, had been missing since July last year after refusing to comply with strict legal requirements to register his whereabouts with police.

Instead, officers were told he intended to buy a tent and live “off grid”.

The disappearance triggered an extensive search led by Lancashire Police, supported by forces across the UK. Public appeals were issued and the case was highlighted on Crimewatch in a bid to trace him.

Police believed Spelman was moving between campsites and travelling by public transport, with links to several parts of England and Wales including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The search ended unexpectedly on January 3 when Spelman walked into Haverfordwest Police Station and surrendered himself. He was arrested at the front desk. It is not known how long he had been in Pembrokeshire before handing himself in.

Lifetime registration

Swansea Crown Court heard that Spelman had previously been jailed for seven years in 2014 for sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14.

That conviction placed him on the sex offenders register for life, requiring him to notify police of his address and report any changes within three days.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court that after his most recent release from a Dorset prison on July 4, 2025, Spelman made it clear he would not provide an address, immediately putting himself in breach of the law.

When he failed to contact officers, a formal manhunt began.

The court also heard this was not the first time he had vanished. Following an earlier release in 2016, he similarly failed to register and remained at large for around five years before being located.

‘Unusual case’

Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the matter as “unusual”, telling the court that Spelman disputes his original conviction and has long expressed a desire to live outside society.

However, he said the defendant had now accepted that, regardless of his personal views, he remained bound by a court order and must comply with it.

Evans added that Spelman had asked the court to impose a custodial sentence to allow time for proper accommodation and supervision to be arranged for his eventual release.

Sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters said there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any future breaches would lead to longer prison terms.

Spelman, who has 11 previous convictions covering 29 offences, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements.

With credit for his guilty plea, he was jailed for ten months. He will serve up to half that time in custody before being released on licence.

Climate

Investment prospectus puts Pembrokeshire at heart of £20bn clean energy drive

Published

28 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Haven Waterway set to become major hub for wind, hydrogen and port jobs as Wales launches investment prospectus

PEMBROKESHIRE could be in line for billions of pounds of new energy investment after a major national strategy identified Wales’ ports and heavy industry heartlands as key to unlocking more than £20bn in clean infrastructure projects over the next decade.

A new Clean Energy Investment Prospectus published this week by Net Zero Industry Wales sets out a pipeline of “investible” projects across offshore wind, hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation, ports and data centres — with the Haven Waterway widely seen as one of the most attractive locations in the country.

Industry experts say Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock already have the deep-water access, grid connections and industrial land needed to host the next generation of energy schemes.

The Herald understands that several projects linked to floating offshore wind assembly, hydrogen production and port upgrades are being explored locally as part of the wider push.

Jobs and contracts

The Prospectus acts as what organisers call a “one-stop shop” for global investors, bringing together sites, policy support and funding routes.

For Pembrokeshire, that could mean:

port expansion and quay strengthening
turbine assembly and maintenance bases
marine engineering and fabrication work
hydrogen and low-carbon fuel plants
construction and long-term skilled jobs

Floating wind alone is expected to create thousands of roles across Wales during construction and operations, with much of the heavy lifting likely to happen in west coast ports.

With the Celtic Sea tipped to become one of Europe’s largest floating wind zones, Pembrokeshire’s existing energy infrastructure gives it a head start.

Major players already circling

Recent Welsh Government announcements linked to the programme include commitments and interest from global firms such as RWE, Eni, and Vantage Data Centres.

Support is also available through bodies including the Development Bank for Wales, aimed at helping projects move quickly from planning to delivery.

Ben Burggraaf, chief executive of Net Zero Industry Wales, said Wales offered “a unique combination of natural competitive advantages and industrial capability”.

He added: “We have significant clean energy resources, a strong industrial base, and a large and diverse pipeline of projects backed by credible organisations and skilled people — giving investors both scale and opportunity to make a real difference.”

Government backing

Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said the country was “primed to capitalise on the UK’s clean energy revolution”.

She said: “By working together with developers and stakeholders we can boost our economy and achieve our renewable energy targets for Wales.”

Why Pembrokeshire fits the bill

Energy analysts say few places in the UK combine:

two LNG terminals
deep-water shipping access
heavy industry and engineering skills
available dockside land
existing power connections

All of which are already present around the Haven.

That makes the area particularly attractive for assembling massive floating wind structures and servicing turbines once operational.

Local businesses — from steel fabricators to haulage firms and electricians — could benefit from supply-chain work if even a fraction of the promised investment lands in the county.

Long-term impact

While the £20bn figure covers the whole of Wales, insiders say west Wales stands to gain disproportionately because large-scale energy schemes simply cannot be built inland.

For Pembrokeshire, the Prospectus signals that the Haven Waterway’s future may be as a green energy powerhouse rather than a traditional fossil fuel hub.

If realised, it could reshape the county’s economy for a generation.

Photo caption: Milford Haven’s deep-water port and industrial shoreline are seen as prime locations for offshore wind and hydrogen investment (Pic: Herald file).