Disaster struck yesterday afternoon at Terra Mitica theme park resulting in the tragic death of an 18 year old boy. The Icelandic national, who was actually holidaying in Torrevieja, was visiting the theme park for the day accompanied by his father, brother and a family friend.

Fatality on "Inferno"

According to a preliminary report by the National Police, the fatality took place at 16:30pm on the ride called "Inferno" – which is located in the Rome section of the park. The giant rollercoaster makes 360 degree loops and reaches speeds of up to 60 km per hour. It was while the ride was upside down that the young man fell out from his seat, dropping somewhere between 10 and 15 meters to the ground. At this point it is unclear whether the safety harness came loose due to a mechanical fault or was not correctly put on.

360 degree ride

Paramedics from SAMU where on the scene immediately and the young man was still alive at that point, but he subsequently died in the ambulance after suffering a heart attack, with his death recorded at 17.30pm. An investigation has already been opened by court number 2 in Benidorm, where the judge will await the forensic report before deciding on appropriate action.

Excellent safety record to date

Inferno opened in 2007 and is the newest ride to be added to the theme park. Since the opening of Terra Mitica in 2000 they have had an excellent safety record with no fatalities documented. Park authorities released a statement confirming that regular safety checks are made by an external company on all the rides and that additionally park maintenance personnel check all the rides are functioning properly every morning.

Financial problems from the start

The theme park was one of the most controversial projects undertaken by the Valencian Regional Government and financed in large by a combination of public taxpayers money and massive loans from 2 banks. A year after opening Paramount took over the running of Terra Mitica, but pulled out in 2004. The park filed for bankruptcy in 2005 after accumulating debts of 218 million euros and a further loss of 120 million. In 2010 Aqualandia took over the running of Terra Mitica for an annual lease of 1.8 million euros over a ten year term – with an option to buy after that period for 75 million euros. On opening in the year 2000, the park forecast an estimated 4 million visitors each year, but the figure never even reached half that amount – peaking at a mere 1.5 million.... and so the financial troubles began as it never managed to become a viable business venture.

1 park divided into 2

Over recent years other attractions have been added to gain more customers, such as the pool and water jet area. However, last year the park was divided into 2 – Terra Mitica and Iberia Park, leading to a lot of confusion. Entrance into Iberia Park was free but any rides inside the area had to be paid for. This year they have decided to charge separate entrance fees to get into both areas – adding up to a fair amount of money, not such a wise move but obviously an attempt to claw back some money. Somehow this latest tragedy will not help the image or probably finances of the park....

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