ADVERTISEMENT

7 injured in massive blaze at theme park

The fire at Europa-Park started early Saturday evening in a storage facility before engulfing the Pirates of Batavia boat ride, completely destroying the attraction.

It took some 250 firefighters until the next morning to extinguish the inferno, which sent huge columns of black smoke into the air.

Dramatic images of the raging fire were widely captured by visitors to the theme park in Rust, southwestern Germany and shared on social media.

Some 25,000 people had to be evacuated from the park, but none suffered any injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT

The local Offenburg police said in a statement that the blaze had left seven firefighters "lightly injured", without giving details.

All of them were able to leave hospital after receiving medical attention.

Europa-park opened its doors as normal on Sunday, although large sections of the Dutch and Scandinavian-themed areas remain closed because of fire damage.

Europa-park's chief executive Michael Mack tweeted his thanks for the rescue services, saying Saturday had been "a sad day" for the park.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Police said some firefighters remained at the scene to carry out damping down operations and secure the area to allow experts to assess the damage.

ADVERTISEMENT

Founded in 1975, Europa-Park is Europe's second-most popular amusement park after Disneyland, attracting some 5.7 million visitors last year.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Anti-graft agency arrests 3 Kano govt officials aiding foreigners secure citizenship

Anti-graft agency arrests 3 Kano govt officials aiding foreigners secure citizenship

ONSA directs security agencies to enforce Nigeria’s cybercrime law fully

ONSA directs security agencies to enforce Nigeria’s cybercrime law fully

ASUU faction dissociates self from UniAbuja strike, says cabal behind action

ASUU faction dissociates self from UniAbuja strike, says cabal behind action

Nigeria’s economy to experience significant growth soon – Shettima

Nigeria’s economy to experience significant growth soon – Shettima

Businesses grounded in Maiduguri fish market as traders revolt against leaders

Businesses grounded in Maiduguri fish market as traders revolt against leaders

Slain NYSC member's brother petitions House of Reps, insists deceased not cultist

Slain NYSC member's brother petitions House of Reps, insists deceased not cultist

Police arrest over 50 suspects after brutal clashes at Ile-Epo, Lagos

Police arrest over 50 suspects after brutal clashes at Ile-Epo, Lagos

Our government won't blame Buhari for any failure - Shettima

Our government won't blame Buhari for any failure - Shettima

Gov Eno donates 20 patrol vehicles to boost security, protect residents

Gov Eno donates 20 patrol vehicles to boost security, protect residents

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT