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Universal Studios tram tossed 'multiple' riders to the ground, accident investigators say

Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times on

Published in News & Features

LOS ANGELES — A tram vehicle at Universal Studios Hollywood threw "multiple" riders to the ground after it struck a guardrail near props from the "Jurassic Park" film franchise in an accident that is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Details of the accident that took place Saturday night — amid the 60th anniversary of the attraction — remain sketchy but the CHP said the agency has determined that drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the crash that injured 15 park visitors.

The tram was driving through the storied Universal Studios back lot shortly after 9 p.m. when the crash occurred, according to authorities.

The linked tram cars passed by a set of props from the "Jurassic Park" film franchise when the tram driver turned onto Avenue M and for some unknown reason the last car in the procession collided with the metal guardrail on the right side, the CHP said. This caused the tram to "tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram," authorities said in a news release.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call for service shortly after 9 p.m. for the crash, and 15 passengers were transported to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also responded to the scene, but the CHP is the lead agency, a Universal Studios spokesperson said.

 

"Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor," Universal Studios said in a statement.

The theme park is working closely with authorities as Universal Studios continues its "review of the incident, and safety remains a top priority."

The Studio Tour tram ride will continue to operate with a modified route, and the theme park will reinforce its "operational and safety protocols."

The status of the injured passengers was unclear as of Monday.

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