Dorney Park Accidents: A Comprehensive Look at Safety Incidents

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, a popular amusement park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has experienced several notable accidents and safety incidents throughout its history. From roller coaster malfunctions to tragic fatalities, this article delves into the details of these events, providing a comprehensive understanding of the park’s safety record.

What Are the Notable Roller Coaster Accidents at Dorney Park?

Roller coasters are the main attraction at Dorney Park, and unfortunately, the park has seen its fair share of incidents involving these thrill rides. Some of the most notable roller coaster accidents include:

1. 1926 Fatality: A 16-year-old girl died from injuries sustained after falling from a roller coaster.
2. 1979 Collision: Six people were injured when two coaster trains collided on the Flying Dutchman due to a brake malfunction. Two of the passengers were hospitalized.
3. 1986 Incidents: A 13-year-old girl suffered injuries to her chest and abdomen when the Flying Dutchman ride came to a complete halt. Later that year, two women were injured when one of the trains collided into another due to a computer malfunction.
4. 1993 Hercules Collision: Fifteen passengers were injured when two trains collided on the Hercules roller coaster.

What Other Incidents Have Occurred at Dorney Park?

While roller coaster accidents have been the most prominent, Dorney Park has also experienced other types of incidents and accidents over the years:

1. 1940 Ferris Wheel Fatality: A 9-year-old boy died after fracturing his skull on the Ferris wheel when he stuck his head out of an 8-inch opening and it came into contact with the framework of the wheel.
2. 2019 Shooting Incident: A woman was shot near the entrance of the park on Independence Day, highlighting a non-ride related incident.
3. 2017 Lawsuit: A lawsuit was filed against the park after a teenage girl claimed she was injured by a park employee dressed as a ghost during the Halloween Haunt event. The girl’s mother sought over $150,000 in damages.

What Are the General Safety Concerns at Dorney Park?

While Dorney Park has had its share of incidents, it is worth noting that the park, like many others, emphasizes visitor safety. However, the historical incidents highlighted in this article underscore the importance of continuous safety improvements and adherence to safety protocols. Some key safety concerns include:

• Mechanical failures, such as brake and computer malfunctions, leading to collisions and accidents
• Guest behavior, such as sticking body parts out of safety openings, contributing to injuries
• Ensuring proper safety protocols and training for park employees to prevent incidents

Dorney Park Accident Statistics and Details

• Fatalities: At least two documented fatalities directly related to ride incidents (1926 and 1940).
• Injuries: Multiple incidents have resulted in injuries, including those mentioned above.
• Incident Types: The incidents range from mechanical failures (brake and computer malfunctions) to guest behavior (sticking head out of safety openings).

References

1. Wikipedia – Incidents at Six Flags parks (Note: Although Dorney Park is not a Six Flags park, the section on Dorney Park is included in this article).
2. YouTube – The Tragic Tale Of Dorney Park (Provides historical context and some incident details, though not exclusively focused on accidents).
3. NBC Philadelphia – Dorney Park’s Iron Menace (Does not discuss accidents but provides context on the park’s operations and new attractions).