Coney Island visitors, including 2 kids, get locked inside the park after gate closed at 7pm

Singapore — A video of a group of people trapped after hours inside Coney Island has gone viral online, with netizens highlighting the visible notice at the gates that the park closes at 7 pm.

An SG PCN Cyclist Facebook page member shared a video of the incident, warning cyclists and hikers to “take note” because it was possible for Coney Island visitors to get stuck inside the park past operation hours.

“The song sums up everything for them,” said the Facebook user, referring to the song “我等到花兒也謝了” (“Wait until Flowers Wither”) by Jacky Cheung playing on the background by a bystander.

After panning through the group of at least 12 people, including two kids, behind the gate, the camera focused on the gate signage.

The notice reads, “Coney Island Park is closed daily from 7 pm – 7 am. All visitors are to leave by 7 pm. No one is to remain on, or enter, the park when it is closed. For assistance, please call 1800-4717300.”

Reports noted that the National Parks Board (NParks) was aware of the incident, adding the visitors were unable to exit the park after the gates closed.

Park security personnel arrived within the hour to open the gates for the group, according to a Mothership report on Monday (Jan 24).

NParks Group Director of Parks East, Chia Seng Jiang, explained that the park closes on the dot as it is not artificially lighted. This allows its nocturnal wildlife, some of which are critically endangered, to have a natural living environment.

Exploring the park past 7 pm can result in visitors getting lost or putting themselves at risk, Mr Chia added.

Members of the online community commented on the incident, noting “ignorance and disrespect of the rules by the group are just disgraceful.”

“They just think that there will definitely someone come forward for assistance when they were locked inside; they never thought of the person on duty is also needed by their family,” said a netizen.

“If the notice is there already, I don’t see why NParks or caretaking facilitators should come after those hours to ‘rescue’ these strays,” added another Facebook user.

Meanwhile, others wondered if implementing a fine for overstaying would encourage a more timely departure from the park. /TISG

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