At Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida last week, a fatal monorail accident last week killed a 21-year-old employee who was operating the monorail. The accident reportedly occurred when two monorails collided in the Magic Kingdom section of the theme park. Although there have been a few other accidents, including a 1974 train crash, this marks the first fatality involving Disney’s monorail system since it opened over 30 years ago.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, two investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) arrived on Sunday to begin examining the monorail crash site. They are trying to understand what happened and if any federal safety standards were violated.
If the OSHA investigators uncover any safety violations, Disney could be cited for various fines starting at $70,000. The investigators have six months to review information from the crash site and issue a public report with any proposed penalties – if they are warranted. Meanwhile, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing information on the crash for any criminal intent. It is too early to tell what standards they will be reviewing or how long the investigation might take.
New Rail Crash: Disney Monorail Accident Kills Employee, InjuryBoard.com, July 6, 2009
Disney monorail accident: OSHA investigators scouring Disney monorail for crash evidence, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, July 6, 2009
If you have lost a loved one due to an accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, or other issues, then please contact our South Florida wrongful death lawyers.