Incidents at Universal parks

This is a summary of notable incidents that have taken place at various Universal-owned theme parks, amusement parks, or water parks. This list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of every such event, but only those that have a significant impact on the parks or park operations, or are otherwise significantly newsworthy.

The term incidents refers to major accidents, injuries, or deaths that occur at a Universal park. While these incidents were required to be reported to regulatory authorities due to where they occurred, they usually fall into one of the following categories:

• Caused by negligence on the part of the guest. This can be refusal to follow specific ride safety instructions, or deliberate intent to violate park rules.
• The result of a guest's known, or unknown, health issues.
• Negligence on the part of the park, either by ride operator or maintenance.
• Act of God or a generic accident (e.g. slipping and falling), that is not a direct result of an action on anybody's part.

Universal Orlando

Main article: Universal Orlando

Universal Islands of Adventure

Main article: Universal Islands of Adventure

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

Main article: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

• On January 1, 2011, a major fire broke out on the attraction's show building. The ride and the park's Toon Lagoon area were evacuated. No injuries were reported. ^[1] The ride reopened on 11 March 2011 after being restored to its original condition. ^[2]

Dueling Dragons/Dragon Challenge

Main article: Dragon Challenge

• On July 1, 2009, an employee was walking underneath the Dueling Dragons coaster in a restricted area when he was hit by a train during a test run. The victim suffered multiple head injuries and was taken to nearby Orlando Regional Medical Center. ^[3]
• On July 31, 2011, a tourist was injured when an unidentified object hit him in the eye while riding Dragon Challenge. Prior to the incident, the guest had only one good eye, therefore the incident resulted in the guest completely losing his sight. Dragon Challenge remained shut for less than 24 hours after the incident with Universal concluding that the ride was safe. ^{[4] [5] [6]}
• On August 10, 2011, a rider was struck by an object while riding the attraction, injuring his face and leg. As a result of this and the aforementioned incident in which a rider lost sight in one eye, Universal officials announced that the two roller coasters would no longer operate simultaneously, pending an investigation into both incidents. ^[7] In October 2011, officials suspended the dueling aspect of the ride permanently. ^[8]

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Main article: Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

• On October 2, 2019, the park temporarily shut down the ride after a swarm of honey bees surrounded the whole area of the attraction. It reopened later that evening. ^[9]

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Main article: Skull Island: Reign of Kong

• On December 10, 2016, a 38-year-old tourist from Guatemala fell ill after riding the attraction. He sat down on a bench while his family continued their visit to the park. When his family returned, they found him dead. Two years later in 2018, a lawsuit was filed against the park stating that none of the signs used for the attraction were in Spanish. ^[10]
• On May 16, 2021, a woman's index finger was severely cut during mid-ride, and had to be partially amputated as a result. ^[11]

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Main article: The Incredible Hulk Coaster

• On September 23, 2003, a 34-year-old woman from Jensen Beach, Florida, suffered a heart attack from an unknown heart condition while riding The Incredible Hulk Coaster. She was rushed to Sand Lake Hospital in critical condition, but never regained consciousness and died shortly after being taken off of life support. ^{[12] [13]}

VelociCoaster

Main article: VelociCoaster

• Not long before the ride's grand opening, park guests were banned from the park after throwing ice at one of the ride's trains. ^[14]
• On July 9, 2021, a 28-year-old woman was arrested after fighting in the ride's queue line. ^[15]

Halloween Horror Nights

Main article: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

• On October 28, 2015, two guests were arrested and charged with battery after attacking "scare actors" during the Halloween Horror Nights event. ^[16] Two scare actors quit after the attacks. ^[17]

Universal Studios Florida

Main article: Universal Studios Florida

Parkwide incidents

• On September 30, 2016, at around 10:00 a.m. local time, a "catastrophic" failure knocked out power to the entire Universal Studios Florida theme park. Park employees were able to evacuate riders from most attractions, but the Orlando Fire Department was called in to assist with some evacuations from the Men in Black: Alien Attack and Transformers attractions. However, two rides managed to remain in operation during the outage: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and The Simpsons Ride. Initial reports did not indicate a cause of the failure, but the adjacent Islands of Adventure park was unaffected. ^[18]

E.T. Adventure

Main article: E.T. Adventure

• On October 15, 1996, a 28-year-old man from Casselberry, Florida fell 10 to 12 feet from the ride's platform while trying to step into the vehicle. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and treated for his injuries. ^[19]
• On January 31, 2019, an 11-year-old boy visiting from Brazil was injured when his foot became wedged between the ride's unloading platform and a vehicle, breaking multiple bones in the process. Due to this incident, the attraction has changed its operational procedures. ^[20]

Hogwarts Express

• On October 1, 2016, a man and a 14-year-old girl suffered minor injuries when an e-cigarette exploded on the ride. ^[21]

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Main article: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

• On August 1, 2013, an unidentified woman received minor injuries when the ride came to a sudden stop. ^[22]

Jaws

Main article: Jaws (ride)

• In July 1990, a 39-year-old man from Sicklerville, New Jersey fell into the water after a piece of the queue line's railing broke. He then sued the park for $1 million, claiming that the company and its park employees were negligent with maintaining the ride. ^[23]

Men in Black: Alien Attack

Main article: Men in Black: Alien Attack

• On January 8, 2004, an 11-year-old boy's foot became wedged between the ride vehicle and the loading platform. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. A park spokesperson claimed that there was no evidence the accident might have been caused by a malfunction, but the attraction remained closed for further inspection before it was deemed safe for it to reopen again. ^[24]
• On November 8, 2016, emergency crews were summoned to the attraction at around 2:30 a.m. to attend to a maintenance worker who had no pulse. The worker was found in the rafters of the attraction building. The worker was declared dead, but no cause of death was revealed, although park officials did state that the ride itself was not involved. ^[25]

Revenge of the Mummy

Main article: Revenge of the Mummy

• On September 21, 2004, a 39-year-old man from Apopka, Florida, fell approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) off the loading platform as he was attempting to step into the ride vehicle. He suffered injuries to his head and noted pain due to the fall. He was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center for surgery and died the next day. ^[26]
• On September 23, 2004, a 67-year-old woman was injured when her arm became stuck between a handrail. The ride was temporarily shut down following an investigation and continued to resume normal operational hours after it was deemed safe. ^[27]
• On November 18, 2007, a 34-year-old woman broke a vertebra in her lower back while riding the attraction. ^[28]

The Simpsons Ride

Main article: The Simpsons Ride

• On June 13, 2008, guests in one ride vehicle were sprayed with a nontoxic substance described as a "derivative of vegetable oil". No injuries were reported, and the guests were given a change of clothes and allowed to shower at the property. The park identified the source of the oil but were not able to determine the cause of the incident, and the unaffected ride vehicles remained open. ^{[29] [30]}

• In August 2018, a man collapsed in the queue line, sustaining major head injuries from hitting a metal support beam. This was later confirmed to have been caused by an irregular heartbeat and dehydration. The queue was evacuated and the man taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He made a full recovery.

Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster

Main article: Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster

• On June 19, 2006, a 4-year-old girl injured one of her feet while exiting the train. She was taken to the hospital to be treated for cuts on her foot. Reports said that the girl's foot got stuck between the train and platform. Her foot was freed, but Universal closed the coaster so that staff could examine the ride. The attraction reopened the next day on June 20. ^[31]

Universal CityWalk Orlando

Main article: Universal CityWalk § Universal CityWalk Orlando

• On April 22, 2011, a 33-year-old man from Winter Haven, was found unconscious in front of the Universal Cineplex 20 theater after being tased by an off-duty police officer due to disorderly conduct. The man was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later died. ^{[32] [33]}

Universal Studios Hollywood

Main article: Universal Studios Hollywood

Backlot fires

Main article: Studio Tour

• Nine backlot fires have occurred at Universal's backlot throughout the park's history. For more information see Universal Studios Hollywood backlot fires.

Backdraft

Main article: Backdraft (attraction)

• On July 11, 1996, during a performance, a pyrotechnic display accidentally triggered a powerful sprinkler system which burst into flames. A total of 145 audience members were sprayed by a recycled water pipe although no injuries were reported soon after the incident occurred. ^[34]

Backlot Tour

• On April 6, 2016, a tram collided with a sign that was protruding onto the roadway. Injured passengers were treated at the scene. ^[35]
• On April 20, 2024, a tram crashed, injuring 14 riders. ^[36]

Construction incidents

• On November 28, 1986, two workers were riding on a bucket from a 30,000 pound crane until they were thrown off after it fell through a plywood floor which suddenly collapsed. Both were taken to St. Joseph Medical Center where one died from suffering head and chest injuries while the other was treated for only minor injuries sustained in the accident. ^[37]

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Main article: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

• On April 3, 2015, a man fatally shot himself in a designated smoking area near the attraction. His weapon had not been detected by park security because, at the time, guests were not required to pass through metal detectors upon entering the park. His ex-girlfriend, who he had restraining orders with, worked near the attraction. ^[38]
• On June 1, 2021, a fire broke out behind the Minion Mayhem show building. The fire broke out at around 11:45 p.m. while the attraction was closed for renovation. The fire was quickly brought under control and was extinguished without causing any injuries. Coincidentally, the incident occurred exactly thirteen years after the infamous 2008 backlot fire. ^[39]

E.T. Adventure

Main article: E.T. Adventure

• On February 17, 1992, a 9-year-old girl injured her leg while stepping in front of a moving platform. ^[40]

Guest accidents

• On November 17, 2008, one of the escalators from inside the park malfunctioned and threw eight people off it. The guests were taken to the hospital, all suffering minor injuries. ^[41]

Jurassic Park: The Ride

Main article: Jurassic Park: The Ride

• On June 29, 1996, a week after the attraction officially opened to the public, a malfunction occurred, spraying more than 100 passengers with hydraulic fluid. Four people were sent to Mullikin Medical Center with minor injuries. ^[42]
• On August 9, 1996, seven passengers suffered injuries when two boats collided into each other. ^[43]
• On November 30, 1998, a 45-year-old woman from Northridge, California was awarded $90,000 in a lawsuit after being injured while riding the attraction. The boat stopped on a steep incline which jerked her back and forth from her seat and suffered neck injuries sustained in the accident. ^[44]

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Main article: Universal CityWalk § Universal CityWalk Hollywood

• At 1:15 a.m. on May 12, 2014, a suspect was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers at Universal CityWalk. Officers were called to a fight in a crowd at a club. A man was seen carrying a gun outside the club who was promptly shot to death by police. Two civilians were injured while running away, but neither of them from gunfire. ^[45]

Halloween Horror Nights

Main article: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

• On October 31, 1986, during the "Fright Nights" event, scare actor Paul Rebalde Brooks, who was supposed to scare the attendees at The Terror Tram (a nighttime version of the Backlot Tour), fell between two of the tram cars and was crushed to death by a tram. Universal Studios Hollywood put Halloween events on hiatus until six years later, when their "Halloween Horror Nights" debuted in 1992. ^{[46] [47]}

Power outage

• On April 26, 2022, in a statement, a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood said the park experienced a "brief power dip which resulted in exiting guests from some attractions", due to a "power interruption" from the utility Southern California Edison. Power was fully restored, the statement said. No injuries reported. ^[48]

Waterworld

Main article: Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular

• On January 23, 2023, a stunt performer was hospitalized after an incident during the park's Waterworld show. Paramedics were immediately called to the attraction where they performed CPR on the unresponsive victim before transporting him to a local hospital. A park spokesperson declined to address further information regarding how the incident unfolded or what the victim's condition was. ^[49]

Universal Studios Japan

Main article: Universal Studios Japan

E.T. Adventure

Main article: E.T. Adventure

• In November 2004, a 35-year-old woman from Osaka Prefecture, Japan, got her hand stuck in a safety bar as an employee pulled it down to secure it. The woman suffered nerve damage in her right wrist, resulting in the loss of use of two of her fingers and, ultimately, losing her job. The woman sued the park and received an out-of-court settlement in 2006. ^[50]

Super Nintendo World

Main article: Super Nintendo World

Yoshi's Adventure

Main article: Yoshi's Adventure

• On August 12, 2021, a Goomba stack animatronic fell onto the ride during operation. No injuries were reported. ^[51]
• On November 23, 2021, a fire started in one of the ride's indoor areas. The ride and the park's Super Nintendo World area were evacuated. No injuries were reported. ^[52]

Volcano Bay

Main article: Volcano Bay

Puihi

• On August 23, 2017, a 13-year-old girl from New Jersey suffered a head injury while riding the Puihi water slide at the park. She fell out of the raft and was trapped underneath it and nearly drowned. The girl was unable to stand up on her own after being rescued from the water and was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children for treatment and recovered. Almost a year later, on April 16, 2018, her family filed a lawsuit against the park. ^[53]

Other incidents

• On December 27, 2018, a 26-year-old man from South Carolina allegedly molested a 10-year-old girl while they were on Kopiko Wai Winding River. He was arrested by the police and was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior for molesting a child under the age of 12. ^[54]
• On June 2, 2019, multiple employees were sent to the hospital after experiencing electrical shocks. The park closed early and reopened the next day. ^[55]
• On June 14, 2020, a 9-year-old boy was found unresponsive after coming down the Kala and Tai Nui body slides. He was hospitalized and released the next day. ^[56]

References

1. "Fire erupts at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando". CF News 13. 2011-01-01. Archived from the original on 2011-01-06. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
2. Bevil, Dewayne (2011-03-03). "Islands of Adventure: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls reopens". Orlando Sentinel . Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
3. "Universal Worker Seriously Injured By Coaster". WFTV. 2009-07-01. Archived from the original on 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-05.
4. "Man Loses Sight While Riding Universal Roller Coaster". WFTV. August 2, 2011. Archived from the original on September 13, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
5. "Man Loses Sight After Roller Coaster Ride". Wesh Orlando. August 3, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
6. "Man Injured On Harry Potter Roller Coaster". Click Orlando. August 2, 2011. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
7. "Universal Announces Changes To Coaster". wesh.com. 2011-08-17. Archived from the original on 2011-09-18. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
8. Garcia, Jason (2011-10-19). "Universal Orlando's twin dragon coasters will never 'duel'". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2011-10-21.
9. Ashley Carter (2019-10-02). "Bees Force Closure of Universal Orlando's Hagrid Coaster". News 13. Retrieved 2019-10-05.
10. Lucia I. Suarez Sang (2018-12-12). "Lawsuit claims Universal's lack of non-English signs to blame for man's death after King Kong ride". Fox News.
11. Steigrad, Alexandra (2022-08-01). "Universal Studios guest's finger reportedly severed during 'Reign of Kong' ride". New York Post. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
12. "Coaster reopens two days after rider's heart attack". St. Petersburg Times. 2003-09-26. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
13. Rippel, Amy C.; Pack, Todd; Meitner, Sarah Hale (24 September 2003). "Woman Collapses After 'Hulk' Ride". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
14. "Universal Guests Banned After Throwing Ice at VelociCoaster Riders". 9 June 2021.
15. "Woman arrested after fight outside Universal's VelociCoaster ride, records show".
16. "2 people arrested in Halloween Horror Nights attacks at Universal". www.local10.com. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 2018-09-01.
17. Muniz, Sheli (28 October 2015). "Halloween Horror Nights actors quit after being attacked". www.clickorlando.com. Retrieved 2018-09-01.
18. "Power failure at Universal Studios". fox13news.com. 30 September 2016. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
19. "Universal briefly closes E.T. ride after man's fall".
20. "Universal Studios faces lawsuit claiming a boy's foot was crushed on E.T. Adventure ride". USA Today. Associated Press. 2019-01-31. Retrieved 2019-03-18.
21. Hayes, Christal (1 October 2016). "Man, girl injured after e-cigarette explodes on Universal's Hogwarts Express ride - Orlando Sentinel". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016.
22. Susan Jacobson (2013-08-02). "Universal roller coaster closed after rider is injured". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2013-10-09.
23. Susan G. Strother (1992-03-09). "JAWS RIDE SPARKS SUIT". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
24. "BOY HURT ON THEME-PARK RIDE". Orlando Sentinel. 2004-01-09. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
25. "Ride technician dies while working inside Universal Orlando attraction". wesh.com. Hearst Television, Inc. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
26. Sean Mussenden (2004-09-24). "DEATH ON 'MUMMY' RIDE RULED ACCIDENTAL - Orlando Sentinel". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
27. Click Orlando (2004-09-23). "Universal's Mummy Ride Closed Again After Woman Injured". Click Orlando. Archived from the original on 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
28. Powers, Scott (2008-01-16). "4 seriously hurt at theme parks at end of '07, records show". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2021-01-27. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
29. "Universal Orlando Guests Get Covered In Oil". WESH 2 Orlando. Internet Broadcasting Systems. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
30. "Guests on The Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando Sprayed With Oil". Local6.com. Internet Broadcasting Systems. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-14. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
31. "Closed Roller Coaster Reopens After Girl Injures Foot". Ultimate Rollercoaster.
32. "Fla. man dies after police Taser him at Universal Studios complex". USATODAY.COM.
33. "Autopsy: Police restraints killed Winter Haven man". theledger.com.
34. Wharton, David (1996-07-12). "Backdraft Visitors Hit by Deluge". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2022-08-15.
35. "Close Call For Some Visitors After A Tram Crashes At Universal Studios Hollywood". KCAL 9. 2016-04-06.
36. Luna, Taryn (2024-04-21). "Universal Studios tram crashes, injuring 14 riders". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
37. "Accident at Universal Kills Worker". Los Angeles Times. 1986-11-30. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
38. "Man commits suicide at Universal Studios theme park". Los Angeles Daily News. 2015-04-03. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
39. "Fire Breaks Out at Universal Studios Hollywood". People. 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
40. "Girl, 9, Injured by 'E.T.' Ride Platform - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. 1992-02-18. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
41. "8 people injured in escalator mishap at Universal Studios - Daily News". Los Angeles Daily News. Associated Press. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
42. Julie Tamaki (1996-07-01). "4 Are Hurt by Fluid Leak on 'Jurassic Park' Ride - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2019-09-05.
43. "7 Injured on Universal's Jurassic Park Ride - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. 1996-08-10. Retrieved 2019-09-05.
44. Evelyn Larrubia (1998-12-01). "Woman Awarded $90,000 for Jurassic Park Ride Injury". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
45. Joseph Serna (May 12, 2014). "Man shot by police at Universal CityWalk was armed, authorities say". LA Times . Retrieved 6 July 2014.
46. "Death on Tram Tour at Universal Tied to 'Horror Night' Stunt - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times . 2 November 1986.
47. "Obituaty - Newspapers.com". The Jackson Sun. 17 November 1986. p. 14.
48. "Power outage strands 11 on Universal Studios Hollywood ride". NBC News. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
49. Valdez, Jonah (2023-01-24). "Universal Studios 'Waterworld' performer hospitalized". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
50. "USJ settles with woman hurt on E.T. attraction". The Daily Yomiuri. 2006-11-24. Retrieved 2006-12-15.^{[ dead link ]}
51. "Goombas Topple Over At Super Nintendo World's Yoshi Ride". Kotaku. 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
52. "Fire Breaks Out At Super Nintendo World's Yoshi Ride, Park Forced To Temporarily Close". Nintendo Life. 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
53. Gabrielle Russon (2018-04-16). "Lawsuit against Universal alleges Volcano Bay head injury to teen - Orlando Sentinel". Orlando Sentinel.
54. Anna Johnson (2018-12-28). "Man accused of groping 10-year-old girl at Universal's Volcano Bay park". Click Orlando. Archived from the original on 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2019-01-07.
55. Cathleigh Winningham (2019-06-03). "Volcano Bay workers hospitalized after incident at water park". Click Orlando.
56. DeSantis, Rachel (2020-07-23). "Boy, 9, Injured on Universal Orlando Ride Following Reopening". People. Retrieved 2021-07-08.