Gröna Lund CEO Acknowledges Responsibility Ahead of Trial for Fatal Jetline Accident

Gröna Lund's CEO, Jan Eriksson, has publicly expressed a strong sense of responsibility for the tragic Jetline roller coaster accident that occurred on June 25, 2023. The incident involved the breaking of a newly manufactured support arm on the ride's front car, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to nine others, including several children. As the trial is set to begin, Gröna Lund faces charges of gross negligence causing death and bodily harm alongside companies Mekosmos and Göteborgs Mekaniska Werkstad (GMW).

Eriksson described the accident day as a "huge shock" and a "horrific day," acknowledging the suffering of the victims while denying criminal wrongdoing. He emphasized that Gröna Lund does not fully agree with the prosecutor's depiction of the circumstances. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) criticized Gröna Lund for deficiencies in the 2019 order of the support arm, highlighting a lack of essential manufacturing specifications.

In response to the tragedy, Gröna Lund has implemented comprehensive safety measures and conducted a thorough operational review to enhance ride safety. Despite the profound impact on the company's brand and public trust, Eriksson reassured that the commitment to preventing future incidents remains steadfast, stating, "We will always do everything we can to ensure that something like this never happens again."

The legal proceedings will also involve significant financial penalties, with Gröna Lund facing a fine of 12 million kronor and the other implicated companies three million kronor each. The upcoming trial marks a critical moment for accountability and safety standards within Sweden's amusement industry, as the park confronts the consequences of the fatal accident and its aftermath.