8 people hurt at WDW Ferry crash...

[ncligs]

Today's Orlando paper (12-29).......posted this also on the Theme Park and Attractions.

8 hurt in Disney ferry crash

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Several people were hurt in a ferryboat crash Friday night at Walt Disney World.

A worker docking the boat put the engines into reverse too late, and the ferry slammed into the dock, Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said.

Eight people received minor injuries and were taken to Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital and Florida Hospital Celebration Health. Polak said Saturday that six of the injured had been treated and released and that Disney officials were still trying to learn the conditions of the remaining two.

The crash happened around 11 p.m. aboard a ferry that takes people to and from the Magic Kingdom across the Seven Seas Lagoon.

The boat was ferrying 400 people to the front parking area.

The worker has been a ferry captain at Disney since September, Polak said.

Officials are still investigating the crash and said it was premature to say whether the worker would face repercussions.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Sorry to hear that. But at least it wasn't a Fairy Crash.

 

[grinningghost]

Wow, I'm surprised I didn't see this on CNN. Usually when something like this happens at a Disney park, they're all over it. Because the ferry moves so slowly, it's hard to imagine someone getting hurt badly. Hopefully, everyone will be fine.

 

[DC7800]

I didn't really understand how someone could be hurt either, until I remembered how people tend to be on the stairs while the boat is docking. They aren't supposed to be, of course (isn't there a warning message?), and I have absolutely no idea if this is what actually occured (they may have been injured through no fault of their own), but I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Dznefreek]

I didn't really understand how someone could be hurt either,

Because the ferry moves so slowly, it's hard to imagine someone getting hurt badly

Basic physics. Yes; it is moving slowly but it is a large great deal of weight moving slowly. A ferry (which probably weighs 50 - 100 tons) is building up inertia in its forward movement and when that weight strikes a standing object, Boom!

 

[Cricket2]

Close your eyes and walk into a steel railing @ 5 mph.

Also someone could have over compensated after the impact and flung themselves around. Basic whiplash.