|
Liseberg’s under construction Oceana waterpark has been almost totally destroyed following a major fire that has seen 22 people seek medical care, while one man remains missing
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Feb 2024
Explosions could be seen as the fire tore through the under construction waterpark development Credit: X
Liseberg’s under construction Oceana Water World has been almost totally destroyed following a powerful fire which started on the outside of the building and quickly spread across the site.
The fire, which broke out on Monday (February 12), saw 22 people seek medical care for injuries with 16 seeking hospitalisation. One person is still missing.
Footage captured on Monday showed thick black smoke coming out of the building as the slides engulfed by flames were tackled by firefighters, the footage also showed several explosions as the fire spread through the site.
Per Nyqvist, head of rescue at the Greater Gothenburg Rescue Service, commented: “Quite early on, some kind of fire gas explosion occurred. We had to immediately retreat and try to help those who were in danger.”
Nyqvist added that the rescue service has not yet been able to complete the search for the man who disappeared in connection with the fire, as emergency services still cannot access all spaces in the building.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday morning (February 13), Liseberg's communications manager Mårten Westlund said that the primary focus since the beginning of the incident was to save lives.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating event,” said Liseberg CEO Andreas Andersen. “Our primary task now is to assist the police in the search for the missing person and to support everyone affected.”
Andersen added during the press conference: “We do not have an overall overview of the full consequences of the incident, but we still look forward with optimism. Right now, however, our focus is not on the economy.”
On January 18, Andersen had shared a post declaring all slides were “in place”, adding “it’s a wrap”. The site was originally scheduled to open in the spring and featured 14 attractions, including Europe’s first six-person raft ride and a Master Blaster with the world’s biggest mega drop.
Parts of the building, including changing rooms, cafes, staff rooms and operating areas - have been saved, but the waterpark itself has suffered extensive damage.
As a result of the fire, Liseberg’s Grand Curiosa Hotel and Liseberg's nearby office buildings were evacuated, while guests scheduled to check into the hotel today have had their bookings cancelled. The hotel, along with Liseberg’s arcade hall and restaurants will remain closed on Tuesday.
“Liseberg has established continuous communication with the fire department, police, the local hospitals, and the construction contractor NCC to coordinate efforts,” said a park statement.
Waterparks
|
|
Storm surge: How Chimelong Spaceship’s award-winning and record-breaking Bermuda Storm was brought to life
|
