Looe Land crash: Owners of train that left eight injured at holiday park speak out

Eight people were left injured shortly before 7pm on Wednesday at Tregoad Holiday Park near Looe, Cornwall, with emergency services rushing to the scene, which is popular with tourists

The owners of a land train that crashed at a holiday park leaving eight people injured say they are in "shock" after the "terrible accident".

The incident took place shortly before 7pm on Wednesday at Tregoad Holiday Park near Looe, Cornwall, with emergency services rushing to the scene the involved the well-known Looe Land Train, which is popular with tourists. Police as well as a rescue helicopter, the coastguard, members of the fire and rescue service and an air ambulance were all seen attending the incident were eight people are believed to have been injured.

The land train was set to be used for events each day this week, including the Ghost Train and Looe's Trick or Treat. The online booking page for upcoming Halloween activities on the train is currently out of action, with a message reading: "Page not found". There is currently no indication as to whether planned events will go ahead.

And now a message has been posted on the Looe Land Train Facebook page stating: "On Wednesday 30th October, Looe Land Train was sadly involved in an accident, not involving any other vehicles, whilst at an event at Tregoad Holiday Park. As a small, family owned & run business we are still in shock and our thoughts go out to all of those injured & impacted."

It added: "At this time, due to the ongoing investigation, we will not be adding further to this statement. If you have booked tickets for October 31st-November 3rd, for our Halloween Event, we will be making refunds within the next 48 hours. Our heartfelt thoughts to those impacted by this terrible accident.

While a statement from the owners issued on their behalf also stated yesterday: that the land train had tipped over leading to the injuries. It read: "Earlier this evening, Wednesday October 30th, at an event being held at Tregoad Holiday Park; the Looe Land Train trailer was involved in an accident whilst carrying several passengers.

"The carriage of the land train tipped over and a number of its passengers have been injured. We understand from the emergency services that 10 people are being treated at local hospitals. We also understand that none of these injuries are critical nor life threatening.

At this time, the cause of the accident is unknown. No other vehicles were involved. We will be fully cooperating with any investigation by the authorities. All further Looe Land Train events for the half term (our final week of the 2024 season) have been cancelled. In the coming days, we will be in contact directly with anyone who has reserved, in order to make a full refund. As a family business we are devastated by tonight’s accident and our thoughts are with all of those injured or impacted. The Looe Land Train team."

Two helicopters - one from the coastguard and an air ambulance - landed near the scene as part of the emergency response. In a statement last night, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are currently at the scene of a multi-agency incident at a holiday park in St Martin, near Looe.

"We were called just before 7pm tonight [Wednesday 30 October] following an incident involving a land train. Ambulance, Coastguard and fire are also in attendance. Eight people are believed to have been injured, but none of their injuries are thought to be critical or life-changing at this stage. The incident remains ongoing at this time."

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: "At around 7pm this evening (Wednesday 30 October), HM Coastguard was called to assist with a road incident involving multiple casualties in Looe, Cornwall. The incident remains ongoing. An HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Newquay was sent to the scene, alongside Tamar and Looe Coastguard Rescue Teams. South Western Ambulance Service, Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are also in attendance."