Huge fire sees Germany's largest amusement park evacuated and seven firefighters injured

A large fire at one of Europe’s most popular amusement parks forced the evacuation of up to 25,000 visitors.

Seven firefighters were injured tackling the blaze at Europa-Park in the town of Rust in southwest Germany on Saturday night.

The fire started in a storage building before spreading through parts of the Dutch and Scandinavian-themed areas.

Video footage captured by witnesses showed a huge cloud of black smoke billowing from the park as the flames destroyed the Pirates of Batavia boat ride.

Other photographs showed the burning wreckage of buildings in the Scandinavian section.

Despite the damage, most of the park reopened at 9am on Sunday morning and police confirmed no members of the public or employees were injured in the blaze.

“The cause of the fire is still unclear and the investigation is ongoing,” said the Offenburg Police in a statement.

“Through the smooth cooperation of the various rescue workers and the park staff, as well as the impeccable behaviour of the park visitors, managed a quick clearance of the park and up to 25,000 visitors.”

The rescue operation involved around 500 members of the emergency services including 250 firefighters.

All seven of those who were injured in the blaze have been discharged from hospital after medical treatment for smoke inhalation.

Michael Mack, chief executive of Europa-Park, said on Twitter that it had been a “sad day” and thanked the emergency services and staff.

The park said on its website that several attractions remained closed, including the Panorama Railway, the monorail, fjord rafting and the jungle raft trip.

Europa-Park attracted around 5.7 million visitors last year, making it Europe’s second-most popular amusement park after Disneyland Paris.