Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, a popular amusement park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has experienced a range of safety incidents and accidents over the years. From historical incidents to more recent events, the park has faced challenges in ensuring the safety of its visitors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the notable accidents at Dorney Park, the measures the park takes to ensure ride safety, and how they handle visitor safety incidents.
What Notable Accidents Have Occurred at Dorney Park?
Dorney Park has a history of safety incidents, some of which have resulted in injuries and even fatalities. Here are some of the notable accidents that have occurred at the park:
Historical Incidents
- Roller Coaster Fatality (1926): On July 24, 1926, a 16-year-old girl died from injuries sustained after falling from a roller coaster.
- Ferris Wheel Incident (1940): On July 11, 1940, a 9-year-old boy fractured his skull and died after sticking his head out of an 8-inch opening on the Ferris wheel.
Flying Dutchman Incidents
- Train Collision (1979): On July 15, 1979, six people were injured when two coaster trains collided due to a brake malfunction. Two passengers were hospitalized.
- Computer Malfunction (1986): On August 26, 1986, a train collided with another due to a computer malfunction, injuring two women.
- Ride Halt Injury (1986): In 1986, a 13-year-old girl suffered chest and abdomen injuries when the ride came to a complete halt.
Hercules Incident
- Train Collision (1993): On July 18, 1993, 15 passengers were injured when two trains collided on the Hercules roller coaster.
Recent Incidents
- Halloween Haunt Incident (2017): A lawsuit was filed in 2019 after a teenage girl claimed she was injured by a park employee dressed as a ghost during the Halloween Haunt event in 2017.
- Independence Day Incident (2019): On July 4, 2019, police were called to the park after a woman was shot near the entrance.
What Measures Does Dorney Park Take to Ensure Ride Safety?
Dorney Park, like other Cedar Fair parks, has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of its rides and visitors. These measures include:
Regular Maintenance
The park conducts regular maintenance and inspections on its rides to ensure safety. This includes daily checks, weekly inspections, and annual overhauls.
Training and Certification
Ride operators and maintenance personnel undergo rigorous training and certification programs to ensure they are competent in operating and maintaining the rides safely.
Safety Protocols
The park has established safety protocols for emergency situations, including first aid stations and emergency response teams.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
Any incidents are thoroughly investigated, and reports are filed to identify causes and implement preventive measures.
How Does Dorney Park Handle Visitor Safety Incidents?
When a safety incident occurs at Dorney Park, the park has established procedures to handle the situation effectively. These include:
Immediate Response
In the event of an incident, park staff and emergency services are immediately notified to provide assistance.
Medical Facilities
The park has on-site medical facilities and first aid stations to treat injuries promptly.
Legal and Administrative Actions
Incidents may lead to lawsuits or administrative actions, as seen in the case of the Halloween Haunt incident in 2017.
Injury Statistics
While specific injury statistics for Dorney Park are not readily available, it is clear that the park has experienced a range of incidents over the years. However, most parks do not publicly release detailed injury statistics, and such data is often compiled by regulatory bodies or through legal proceedings.
Conclusion
Dorney Park has faced its fair share of safety incidents and accidents throughout its history. While the park has implemented various measures to ensure ride safety and handle visitor safety incidents, the occurrence of these events highlights the importance of continuous vigilance and improvement in amusement park safety. As a state park touring enthusiast or tour planner, it’s crucial to stay informed about the safety record and measures taken by parks like Dorney Park to ensure the well-being of visitors.