Rollercoaster horror crash kills girl, 14, and injures two other children at Danish amusement park

• Teenage girl killed after coaster car flies loose at Tivoli Friheden, east Denmark
• Boy, 13, also hospitalised as theme park evacuated and shut ‘until further notice’ 
• ‘Cobra’ ride, which also crashed in 2008, goes 44mph and has three inversions
• ‘Psychological help’ is being offered to eyewitnesses and those affected

A 14-year-old girl was killed and two other children were injured when a rollercoaster car fell off its tracks in Denmark today.

Tragedy struck when the rear carriage of thrill ride ‘Cobra’, at Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus, eastern Denmark, became decoupled from the coaster at 12.50pm.  

Three youngsters were immediately rushed to hospital, with a 14-year-old girl confirmed dead around 90 minutes later, according to broadcaster TV2.

Tivoli Friheden in eastern Denmark was closed and evacuated after the crash this afternoon

One of Denmark’s most popular theme parks, the ride at Tivoli Friheden has crashed before

One of the country’s best known rollercoasters, Cobra has crashed once before, in 2008

Police inspector Brian Voss Olesen told a press conference this afternoon that the exact cause of the ‘very very tragic accident’ remains unclear

Eyewitnesses described a loud bang followed by the sight of a rollercoaster carriage rolling off the track.

Emergency services remain on the scene. 

None of those seriously hurt have been identified.

The seriousness of the other children’s injuries are not known.

Tivoli Friheden, one of Denmark’s most popular theme parks, was evacuated and closed immediately after the crash.

Police inspector Brian Voss Olesen told a press conference this afternoon that the exact cause of the ‘very very tragic accident’ remains unclear.

But he added that investigators will spend ‘a great deal of energy’ looking into how rollercoasters are approved for use by the public.

Mr Olesen also confirmed that the park will remain closed tomorrow for further investigation.

Park manager Henrik Ragborg Olsen confirmed that the incident took place on coaster Cobra

Facebook users remarked on the swift and safe evacuation of the park after the tragic crash

The amusement park had stated via Facebook that it will ‘remain closed until further notice’.

Tivoli Friheden added: ‘We have gathered the guests who are related to the injured – and those who sat on the train – and are offering psychological help to those who need it.

‘The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, but technical assistance from experts has been requested.

‘Out of respect for the injured, we encourage our guests not to share any pictures that may have been taken in connection with the accident.’

The park’s statement confirmed news of the crash, but did not mention the girl, 14, killed

Commenter Jennifer Ann Been wrote: ‘I was on that particular ride a few weeks ago. I sat on that part of it and pointed out that I thought it was unsafe.

‘My thoughts are with the relatives, the staff and the poor girl who has passed away.’

Lisbeth Rasmussen added: ‘Just got home from out there. 

‘Big praise to the staff who so quickly and efficiently guided the guests to the exit without much panic. Hoping the best for the injured.’

Cobra is one of Denmark’s most well-known rollercoasters, with a maximum speed of 44mph and three up-side downs during its 1m40s ride time.

It also has 4.5Gs, the same force as Oblivion at Alton Towers. 

In 2008, four people were injured when two rows of chairs on Cobra fell off.

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