By Alexandra Enberg
IZMIR, Türkiye (AA) - A massive fire and multiple explosions rocked a Swedish amusement park in the city of Gothenburg on Monday, leaving twelve people injured.
Heavy black smoke has engulfed central parts of the city, prompting an emergency warning to the public.
The newly constructed water park, Oceana, located within the Liseberg amusement park, has been completely destroyed by the fire and subsequent explosions.
The injured individuals have been admitted to the hospital for treatment, with all reported to be in stable condition, according to Lisa Rang, a press spokesperson at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, who spoke to GP newspaper.
Oceana, boasting 14 water attractions spread over nearly 1.5 hectares and with a capacity for 1750 guests, was set to become one of Northern Europe's largest water parks.
In a statement, the park authority said the fire started at one of the water slides outside the construction and then spread to the entire building.
"Right now, we are focused on helping the rescue work on site and getting a better picture of what happened and how extensive the accident is. We have evacuated guests at our Hotel, and nearby office premises," it said.
Fifteen preschools in the vicinity of Liseberg have relocated their children due to the fire at Oceana, as has the World of Volvo museum.
"There is a heavy fire in a building. Initially there was information that there were people still in the building. There is heavy smoke development and a VMA - Important notice to the public is issued".
"The smoke is spreading and we urge everyone in the area to go indoors and close doors, windows, and ventilation. We are on-site with an extensive resource package and are now working to limit the fire to nearby buildings," said Claes Lippert in an interview with Swedish radio.
Liseberg amusement park, which draws over 3 million visitors annually, has been one of Sweden's most popular tourist destinations since its opening to the public in 1923.