Four injured after miniature train derails at Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra

Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra. On Thursday a miniature steam train at the tourist attraction derailed and four people were taken to hospital with ‘non-life threatening’ injuries. Photograph: Martin Berry/Alamy

The owners of a miniature-themed tourist park have said they “deeply regret” the derailment of their miniature steam train, which left four people in hospital.

Cockington Green Gardens, a tourist attraction in Canberra featuring miniature buildings, said that a small steam train that circles the park derailed just after 9.30am on Thursday.

The derailment caused minor injuries to four people. They were taken to hospital with what were described as “non-life threatening injuries”.

“Cockington Green Gardens first thoughts are with those who were involved in the incident and deeply regrets this incident which is now the subject of police and WorkSafe ACT investigations,” the owners said in a statement.

“The attraction remains open although the miniature steam train will not operate until further notice.”

Police are now seeking witnesses and any mobile phone footage of the derailment.

They say it is not yet clear whether ACT Policing will investigate the incident, or whether the inquiry will be handled by WorkSafe ACT.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have mobile phone footage or photos of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website,” police said in a statement.

Miniature buildings at Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra. Photograph: Xinhua/Alamy

Cockington Green is a privately owned tourist park which describes itself as “one of Australia’s most charming and unusual tourist attractions”.

The steam train carries visitors across the grounds and around the displays, which feature miniature replicas of buildings from 30 different countries.

The spring school holidays are a busy time for the park, coinciding with Canberra’s largest tourist event, Floriade. Cockington Green had taken the train offline for two days about a month ago for “pre-Floriade maintenance”.

“We regret this necessary inconvenience however it is important that the train is able to cope with the expected increase in demand with the upcoming Floriade and school holiday period,” Cockington Green’s owners said at the time.

“The safety of visitors and staff is the most important consideration in the operation of our beloved miniature steam train.”