The CEO of Stockholm's iconic Gröna Lund amusement park acknowledges deep responsibility for the fatal rollercoaster accident that claimed one life and injured nine people. Jan Eriksson described the June 2023 incident as a terrible day and enormous shock for the historic park. Yet as the trial approaches, the company denies criminal charges.
During a summer afternoon, the Jetline rollercoaster partially derailed when a newly manufactured support arm beneath the front carriage fractured. A woman died and nine others, including several children, sustained injuries when components with wheels on either side of the train completely detached and fell off.
Gröna Lund faces prosecution alongside companies Mekosmos and Göteborgs Mekaniska Werkstad (GMW). The charges include gross involuntary manslaughter, gross bodily harm, and creating danger to others. The park could face 12 million Swedish kronor in fines, while the other companies face three million kronor each.
Eriksson stated the park feels profound responsibility for what the victims experienced. He emphasized that Gröna Lund has operated for many years with millions of rides completed safely before this tragedy. The CEO noted this event marks a clear before and after for the park.
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) heavily criticized Gröna Lund in its final report. Investigators found the 2019 order for the specific support arm was deficient. Gröna Lund had contracted Mekosmos for the components, who then subcontracted to GMW. Police and prosecutors say the original order lacked crucial specifications about manufacturing requirements.
GMW lacked certification to manufacture amusement park parts and missed a critical welding component. This meant the support arm couldn't withstand the pressures experienced on the Jetline ride. The defect remained undetected during subsequent inspections.
Since the accident, Gröna Lund has thoroughly examined its entire operation. The company turned over every stone to identify what could be done differently. Eriksson stressed that the legal process doesn't affect their safety work or ambition to provide a completely secure park.
The CEO acknowledged the accident has affected the park in many ways, including brand reputation. But he maintained that those on the ride experienced the true horror. The trial beginning Monday will provide clarity on responsibility questions and address regulatory issues highlighted by the accident investigation.
This case represents one of Sweden's most serious amusement park accidents in recent decades. It raises important questions about safety certification requirements and subcontracting practices within the entertainment industry. The outcome could influence regulatory frameworks for amusement parks across the Nordic region.
International visitors should note that Swedish amusement parks generally maintain excellent safety records. This tragic incident has prompted industry-wide reviews and enhanced safety protocols. The trial's progression will be closely watched by theme park operators throughout Europe.