Tayto Park re-opens after stairwell collapse at House of Horrors

Tayto Park has re-opened after last night's incident in which as many as 10 people were taken to hospital after a packed stairwell collapsed.

Health and safety authorities will launch an investigation after the terrifying incident at the Kilbrew attraction.

Sources said up to 10 people are believed to have been injured when the steps at the House of Horror attraction collapsed.

At least two ambulances were called to the scene and helped attend to customers.

 

The injuries - cuts abrasions and possibly one fracture - happened when a lower wooden starcase gave way while people were making their way up to the entrance. 

Eyewitness said officials immediately cordoned off the area where the accident happened, and it is not clear how many park goers were affected.

One witness who was in the queue for the walk through attraction told The Meath Chronicle tonight that the wooden stairwell was packed with spook seeking visitors before the incident.

'They had loads crowded up the stairs. A wooden stairs can't hold that much weight or people There was no one overseeing how many were were standing on the stairs, it was not set up well.

The shocked witness said it 'was a joke' people had been queuing for up to 90 minutes and praised Tayto Park authorities for providing refunds.

A second witness said 'We got off the rollercoaster to go up to The Haunted House and it had been closed down by staff who had blocked it off and were telling anyone who was walking up it had been closed to unforeseen events and that we could seek a full refund from the reception area. Once we got there the staff handled it all so well refunded anyone who asked or offered alternative night next weekend.

In a statement released by Tayto Park they said 'Last night (Saturday 22nd October) at approximately 8pm the lower portion of a permanent staircase leading to The House of Horrors gave way. 

'The Tayto Park emergency plan was immediately put in place and the emergency services attended the scene. 9 people were transported to hospitals in the city as a precautionary measure to assess their injuries. 

'The management of Tayto Park will co-operate fully with the investigation as the safety of our guests is paramount. 

'Tayto Park will open today from 10am.