The Ferris wheel at Disney California Adventure Park malfunctioned the afternoon of October 2, 2014 stranding riders for nearly two hours.
According to a news report in the Orange County Register, the iconic rider, known as Mickey’s Fun Wheel, temporarily broke down.
No injuries were reported. All guests were evacuated from the ride.
About 30 people
were on the Ferris wheel at the time.
It was nerve-wracking for some as the gondola near the top swayed in the high winds. The wheel takes riders about 150 feet in the air and sits in a section of the park called Paradise Pier.
Employees closed off a section of the park and told people not to take photographs. It was also hot at the time at temperatures soared to 90 degrees. Park employees offered riders who exited the gondolas bottled water, ice cream, souvenirs and park hopper tickets.
One of the people who was stuck said it felt like 100 degrees inside the gondola. He was thankful for the wind that helped cool down things just a bit.
Amusement Park Accidents
It is indeed fortunate that none of these riders were injured as a result of this ride malfunction. But there are many others involved in amusement park accidents who are not as lucky.
According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, in 2011, there were 4.3 injuries per million attendees at U.S. fixed-site amusement parks.
During that year, the chance of being seriously injured in an amusement park accident in the U.S. was 1 in 24 million.
Protecting Your Rights
If you have been injured in an amusement park accident or a ride accident, it is important that you protect your legal rights. As a legal practice that represents victims of such accidents, we strongly recommend not to sign any waivers or other paperwork, which may jeopardize your future claim.
Do not sign any agreements without understanding to what you are agreeing. Contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will look for your best interests and help ensure that you get the necessary treatment and care for a speedy and full recovery.
The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.