Earlier this month, a fire broke out on the water ride “Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls” at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando. One of Universal’s employees noticed the smoke and successfully evacuated all visitors and staff members before flames engulfed one of the ride’s housing structures. Black, billowing smoke could be seen from outside the park.
Some of the guests were checked in at the park’s first-aid room, but none were reported as needing hospitalization. The ride has been shut down indefinitely while the cause of the fire is under investigation. So far, authorities suggest that an electrical problem from an air conditioner or ride controller may have been the source of the theme park accident.
Universal’s spokesman, Tom Schroder, would not say whether compensation has been made available to park guests who were endangered by the ride and surrounding areas.
While this incident did make the news, theme parks in many states are not legally required to report accidents – even if they result in injury to park-goers. Many amusement parks tend to downplay accidents as much as possible in order to protect their reputation and ensure incoming revenue from daily visitors.
If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a theme park accident in Florida, you have a right to collect compensation. Please contact the experienced amusement park injury attorneys at Best & Anderson, P.A. today to set up a free initial consultation.
