Last Saturday night, a routine tram tour at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles took an unexpected turn, resulting in an accident that left 15 passengers with injuries. The tram, an integral part of the studio’s famed World-Famous Studio Tour, collided with a metal guardrail during a sharp turn, causing the last car to tilt and eject several passengers.
The incident, which occurred around 9 p.m., quickly drew responses from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol, highlighting the prompt action of local authorities. Despite the alarming nature of the accident, the injuries reported were mostly minor, with some moderate injuries, ensuring that all affected were attended to with the utmost care.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Authorities were swift in their response, with emergency services arriving on the scene shortly after the incident was reported. The California Highway Patrol, leading the investigation, clarified that neither alcohol nor drugs were involved, focusing instead on the mechanical aspects and the precise cause of the guardrail collision.
The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place at one of Hollywood’s most visited attractions, especially as the park prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its iconic studio tour.
Tour Resumes with Safety Revisions
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Universal Studios Hollywood addressed the accident, reassuring the public and affected guests that the tour has resumed with a modified route to enhance safety. The park’s administration expressed ongoing concern for the guests involved and confirmed their commitment to cooperating with public agencies to bolster safety protocols.
This incident comes at a crucial time for Universal Studios Hollywood, as the park is gearing up to celebrate the historic milestone of its Studio Tour, an attraction that offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of blockbuster movie sets like “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.”
Final Thoughts
While the tram accident at Universal Studios was unfortunate, it serves as a critical reminder of the need for continual assessment and enhancement of safety measures in large entertainment venues. The park’s proactive steps to modify the tour route and review safety protocols demonstrate a responsible approach to ensuring guest safety, which is paramount. As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and responsive emergency services in managing unexpected events and safeguarding the well-being of visitors.