Walt Disney World Momorail Crash Kills One

 

One worker was killed in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida after two monorail trains crashed early Sunday morning (around 2am).

The monorail operator died at the scene of the crash.  The other train operator was not injured, but was taken to a hospital because he was emotionally shaken. Five park guests were treated at the scene.

Bo Jones, deputy chief for Reedy Creek Fire Department, said it is unclear what caused the crash, but Orange County Sheriff’s officials are investigating the cause.

Jones added that the crash happened at the park’s ticket and transportation center. Atleast a dozen guards wearing blue Disney security uniforms guarded the monorail station Sunday morning to prevent visitors from going near the area.

At the time the trains were carrying only five passengers and two employees, none of whom were hurt.

This crash marks the first monorail death there in its 38 years of running and according to Disney, the theme park runs 12 monorail trains, each with 6 cars traveling the 14.7 miles of elevated rail adding that on a typical day, more than 150,000 guests ride the monorail.

Mike Griffin, Walt Disney World vice president of public affairs, issued a statement offering condolences to the employee’s family and saying the monorail was closed.