Bruges Boudewijn Seapark horror as 'attraction collapses' - at least four children injured

An incident at a sea-themed amusement park has injured at least seven people, including four children. The incident happened on Tuesday morning at Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges when a ride called Spring Ride is reported to have suddenly dropped to the ground while in operation.

The attraction, which can rise up to seven metres in the air before plunging back down, is believed to have failed during its descent. According to the first details shared by Laatste Nieuws, the attraction is said to have collapsed during its "back-and-forth motion". Police said three adults and four children were hurt in the incident. Seven ambulances were sent to the scene following the accident. None of the victims were reported to have lost consciousness and nobody is believed to be in a life-threatening condition. Several people have reportedly suffered fractures and back injuries, however. The park, which is Belgium’s only dolphinarium, has shut the ride down while an investigation is carried out.

Park manager Lars Van den Ham said no issues had been reported with the attraction in recent days, although a technical fault is being considered as a possible cause.

Authorities, including the Federal Public Service Economy, are expected to go to the scene to examine the causes of the incident.

The incident comes just days after at least 10 people were critically injured after an "overloaded" Ferris wheel collapsed at the Bhainsaha Mela fair in Khadda, Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh state, India.

Up to 80 people were on board at the time, with at least 30 - including women and children - injured in the incident on Wednesday night.

Emergency services and bystanders rushed to help those hurt.

It reportedly took nearly an hour to free everyone trapped in the wreckage.