RSSUpdate on Orlando’s Hogwarts Express Malfunction
In an update to last week’s story about the riders of Universal Orlando Resort’s Hogwarts Express who became trapped within the train as it made its way from King’s Cross Station in London to Hogsmeade Station, it seems that the city of Orlando has allowed the previously unmentioned 9-1-1 calls made from within the trapped train to be released. The initial report on the incident was made primarily using statements from the management from Universal Studios and did not include any mention of the 9-1-1 calls.
Universal Studio’s statement around the incident made sure to indicate that, although emergency services were on the scene, no one needed transportation to the hospital. Furthermore, Universal Studio’s statement made it seem as though the discomfort suffered by the passengers within the trapped train was minimal. The calls released by the city of Orlando paint a far different picture. Although trapped riders posted on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter about the lack of air conditioning within the train, none of these posts made clear exactly the level of panic suffered by the riders of Hogwarts Express.
During one of the calls to 9-1-1, the caller told the emergency dispatcher that riders within the train were beginning to fight with one another. Additionally, the rider indicated that people were attempting to kick out the doors on the train in order to escape from the blistering heat within the compartment. Recorded statements from this and other callers also indicated that several people had passed out in the heat, and that passengers within the train were starting to succumb to a high degree of panic resulting in uncontrollable screaming and, according to one caller, rioting.
Although Universal Orlando reopened the ride shortly after the riders were freed, the fresh update on the story reports that the same train broke down only a few days later, leaving additional passengers similarly stranded on the rails.
Universal Orlando continues to report that both incidents were minor and that all riders were safely removed from the train without need for advanced medical treatment.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.