A video emerged online showing a group of visitors stranded behind a closed gate on Coney Island at night.
Coney Island has since reminded the public not to explore the island after 7pm because it is unsafe after dark.
In the viral video, a group of at least 10 people were seen at the gate, trapped on the island after the gates were locked with them still inside.
NParks’ group director for parks east, Mr Chia Seng Jiang, spoke to CNA and said that they were aware of the incident of the stranded people who couldn’t get out of the park.
He said that the gates were closed at 7pm and that the opening hours were stated on the entry gates and shelters, as well as on the website of NParks, noting that the gates will be closed at 7pm.
Chia said that the park’s security then arrived to the gate within the hour to open the gates for the stranded visitors to leave.
Not safe at night
Chia said that it isn’t safe for the visitors to explore Coney Island after 7pm, citing the darkness and lack of lights on the island.
He said that the park is not artificially lighted and public access is closed from 7pm to 7am for the wildlife there to thrive in.
He said that because of the lack of light, explorers could become lost or put themselves at risk, making the environment unsafe for them.
He added that “NParks would like to remind all park visitors to respect the opening hours of our parks and for their safety, to adhere to advisories on site.”
